All necessary action will be taken against perpetrators of Sunurok attack: Manipur ADGP

Manipur Police have intensified security operations following the killing of three Meitei villagers in an attack at Sunurok Hills in Imphal East, with ADGP (Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo assuring that all necessary action would be taken against those responsible.

Briefing the media on October 19, Lhatoo said police had received several inputs regarding the attack and that a thorough investigation was underway.

According to the ADGP, unidentified armed militants opened fire at around 9.40 am on a group of 14 Meitei villagers who were cutting and transporting firewood near the Khongbal Tangkhul area. The incident occurred at Sunurok Hills under Sagolmang police station.

Three villagers succumbed to bullet injuries, while three others sustained injuries. The injured were evacuated and are undergoing medical treatment, he said.

“After due process, all necessary action will be taken to punish the perpetrators of such heinous crimes,” Lhatoo said.

Security operations intensified

The ADGP said security measures had been strengthened in the affected area and the situation was being closely monitored.

Joint teams of Manipur Police, CRPF, CoBRA personnel, Assam Rifles and the Border Security Force (BSF) are conducting operations, while sniffer dogs, drones and helicopter surveillance are being deployed.

Contingency plans have been activated, and mobile checkposts have been established to prevent further escalation, he said.

Lhatoo added that Manipur Police were coordinating closely with the CRPF, BSF, Army, Assam Rifles and other security agencies to maintain law and order and safeguard civilians.

Appealing to the public to exercise restraint, he urged people not to believe or circulate unverified information, rumours or provocative content on social media, warning that such material could aggravate the situation.

He also asked residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

Thoubal violence under investigation

On the violence in Thoubal district, where clashes broke out following an alleged stone-pelting incident during a musical programme at Khangabok Pali Bazar on Sunday night, the ADGP said investigators had received some leads and the matter remained under investigation.

One person died of bullet injuries in the incident, while several others were injured. In a separate incident that night, an IED explosion near Singjamei police station injured three CRPF personnel.

The incidents prompted the deployment of additional security forces in the affected areas.