Assam Rifles jawan opens fire on colleagues in south Manipur before committing suicide; 6 injured

An Assam Rifles (AR) jawan shot himself dead after opening fire on his comrades near the India-Myanmar border in south Manipur. Six soldiers were injured in the incident, who were taken to a military hospital in Churachandpur.

The incident took place on the premises of AR battalion. The soldier, who belonged to Churachandpur in the violence-hit state, was identified as Kuki. He later succumbed to his injuries, a Hindustan Times The report said.

People familiar with the incident said that the victims of the incident were neither residents of Meiji nor were they from Manipur.

Officials are investigating the matter, however, they said the motive behind the firing is not yet known.

Issuing a statement in this regard, Assam Rifles said that details of the tragic incident are being shared transparently to “dispel any possible rumours”, adding that the incident is “related to the ongoing conflict”. Should not be done, given the fact that no one injured is from Manipur”

“All battalions of Assam Rifles have a mixed class composition, including people from different communities of Manipur. The statement said that despite the polarization of the society, all the personnel are living and working together to maintain peace and stability in Manipur.

Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic violence since May last year due to conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The violence resulted in the displacement of approximately 50,00 people and at least 207 deaths.