In a shocking incident within the premises of an Assam Rifles (AR) battalion near the Indo-Myanmar border in South Manipur, a solider reportedly shot himself after opening fire at his colleagues, resulting in six soldiers sustaining injuries. The injured personnel were promptly evacuated to a military hospital in Churachandpur.

The deceased soldier, identified as a Kuki from Churachandpur, succumbed to his injuries. Notably, the victims were reported to be neither Meiteis nor from Manipur. Authorities are currently investigating the incident, with the motive behind the shooting yet to be ascertained.

The Assam Rifles issued a statement, emphasizing transparency in sharing details to dispel potential rumors. They stressed that the incident should not be correlated with the ongoing conflict, as none of the injured soldiers were from Manipur. The statement highlighted the mixed class composition of all Assam Rifles battalions, uniting personnel from various communities to maintain peace and stability in Manipur.

This tragic incident follows recent episodes of violence in Manipur, including the killing of five civilians from the Meitei community and the injuring of four Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in separate incidents. State Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh suggested the possibility of involvement by Myanmar-based militants but clarified that there is currently no evidence.

A day before this shooting, armed assailants attacked police personnel in Tengnoupal, resulting in the death of two officers and injuries to six others. Additionally, attempts to loot weapons from police establishments in Thoubal district were reported on January 17, where miscreants targeted the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion and Thoubal Police Headquarters, leaving three BSF personnel injured.

Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May of the previous year, primarily stemming from clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The violence has led to the displacement of approximately 50,000 people and claimed the lives of at least 207 individuals.