Manipur: Assam Rifles soldier fires at 6 colleagues before shooting himself dead

Imphal: In yet another disturbing development amid the ongoing crisis in Manipur, an Assam Rifles soldier allegedly opened fired at six fellow soldiers inside a camp before he shot himself dead, police said on Wednesday.

The soldier who shot himself is said to be a resident of Churachandpur district and had recently returned to duty after a vacation.

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The incident occurred in Sajik Tampak Battalion of 15 Assam Rifles deployed near the Indo-Myanmar border in south Manipur on late Tuesday.

All the six injured personnel (non-Manipuris) were later evacuated to Military Hospital for further treatment and are reported to be stable.

Officials clarified that the incident does not relate with the ongoing conflict in Manipur.

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“In light of the ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur, it is important to share the details of the incident transparently to dispel any potential rumours and avoid any speculation. This unfortunate incident should not be correlated with ongoing conflict, given the fact that none of the injured are from Manipur,” said an official statement issued by PRO of IGAR.

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The official further informed that investigation into the incident has been ordered to ascertain the facts.

All Assam Rifles battalions have mixed class composition including those belonging to various communities from Manipur. All personnel have been staying and operating together despite polarization of society to maintain peace and stability in Manipur, the statement added.

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