 "Unidentified gunmen target vehicles carrying police commandos in Manipur")
A Manipur Police commando was injured in a heavy gunfire exchange between unidentified gunmen and security forces in Moreh, Tengnoupal district, around 3:50 pm on Saturday, officials said.
Eyewitnesses said the commando was injured when the gunmen targeted police vehicles as they were heading towards the Key Location Point (KLP) from the border town of Moreh.
An officer confirmed, "One commando sustained shrapnel injuries when they came under attack while crossing the M Chahnou village section of Imphal-Moreh road."
The injured commando has been identified as Ponkhalung of 5 IRB, officials said, adding, he is currently receiving treatment at the 5 Assam Rifles camp.
Police said, "Unidentified gunmen fired shots and threw bombs at the commando team of Moreh at Chikim Veng, Moreh Ward No. 9 in Tengnoupal district. The incident occurred while Manipur police commandos were conducting routine reconnaissance in the area."
Police said, "Initially, two bombs exploded, followed by 350 to 400 rounds of fire."
Sources said firing was continuing near the New Moreh entrance gate and M Chahnou village.
Two houses in Moreh were also set on fire, sources added.
Evil elements trying to disturb peace: Manipur CM
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Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday appealed to all sections of society to shun violence and engage in dialogue to restore peace in the state.
He condemned the killing of a village guard by unidentified individuals in Kadangband, Imphal West district, stating that evil elements were attempting to disrupt peace.
Addressing a press conference at the CM's secretariat, Singh said, "Let's abandon violence, come to the negotiating table, and initiate a dialogue to restore normalcy."
He mentioned that investigations were ongoing and security forces had begun combing operations to apprehend the killers of the village guard.
The CM assured that civil society organizations and the government machinery were working towards peace in both the hills and valley areas.
Unidentified individuals killed a village guard identified as Jamesbond Ningombam in Kadangband around 3.30am.
Police said suspected militants from a nearby hill were responsible for the attack.
Ningombam's body was taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences for post-mortem examination.
Kadangband, located on the outskirts of Imphal West district, shares border with Kangpokpi district which has experienced continuous violence since the outbreak of ethnic strife on May 3.