Devanjana Mukherjee, Khabri Media
The border region between the two countries has long been a concern due to its porous nature and the movement of various illicit activities.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer Chingtham Anand (Pic: Social Media)
In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves throughout the region, a Manipur police officer was shot by a sniper at the State-BSF helipad site in Moreh, a town located on the border between India and Myanmar. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the region and highlights the challenges faced by security forces in border areas.
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The incident took place when Moreh Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Chingtham Anand was inspecting a newly constructed helipad at the Eastern ground in the border town. The SDPO was taken to a primary health centre in Moreh where he succumbed to his injury.
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The bullet wound indicated the police officer was shot with a large-calibre marksman or sniper rifle from a concealed position quite a distance away. The police could not retaliate immediately as the general direction from where the precision shot came has civilian buildings.
Pic: Social Media
Chief Minister N Biren Singh has dubbed it a ‘cold-blooded killing’ and assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. The development comes amid continued unrest in the north-eastern state – mere weeks after several civil society organizations demanded the removal of state forces from the border town.
Moreh, which is situated in the Tengnoupal district of Manipur, has witnessed security challenges in the past. Its proximity to Myanmar makes it a hotspot for cross-border smuggling and insurgency. The region is also part of the infamous “Golden Triangle,” known for its opium production and trafficking routes.
The primary purpose of this helipad is to facilitate the movement of security forces in the region, which has been witnessing increased security challenges due to various factors, including smuggling and insurgent activities. The incident has raised questions about the security protocols in place at such sensitive locations and the ability of security forces to protect themselves in hostile environments.
Special forces (Pic: Social Media)
Supposedly, WhatsApp chats of suspected militants accessed by state intelligence show them celebrating the killing, without sharing any further details. Two phone numbers in the chat have been identified after the security forces launched an operation in the area to neutralise the threat.
As of now, the investigation into the shooting incident is ongoing, and security agencies are working to identify and apprehend the sniper responsible for the attack. Accountability for such acts is crucial to send a strong message that such violence will not be tolerated.
