Manipur: BSF Jawan Killed in Crossfire During Armed Clash in Ukhrul

UKHRUL – A Border Security Force ( BSF ) personnel lost his life on Friday afternoon after being caught in the crossfire of a violent clash between two armed groups in Manipur’s Ukhrul district.

The deceased has been identified as Constable Mithun Mandal (also reported as Mithul Mandal), a resident of West Bengal. A member of the 170 Battalion BSF, Mandal had been serving with the force since 2013.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:45 PM near Mongkot Chepu village, falling under the jurisdiction of the Litan Police Station.

According to security sources, Constable Mandal was part of a Road Opening Party (ROP)—a standard security detail tasked with clearing and securing transit routes—when a heavy exchange of fire broke out nearby. Initial reports suggest the gunfight involved suspected Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul Naga village volunteers.

Mandal was struck by a “stray bullet” in his left shoulder during the intense firing. He was immediately evacuated and rushed to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 6:00 PM.

Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh expressed deep grief over the loss, condemning the violence and extending condolences to the family of the “brave son of West Bengal.”

In the aftermath of the killing, Additional teams of the Manipur Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed to the Mongkot Chepu area to conduct search operations and identify those involved in the clash.

Security has been tightened across the Ukhrul-Senapati border regions to prevent further escalation between the groups.

An official inquiry into the circumstances of the firing has been initiated by the state police.

The incident marks a grim reminder of the volatile security situation in Manipur, where security personnel often find themselves caught between warring factions despite not being the primary targets of the local disputes.