Border guard killed in restive Indian state of Manipur

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - An Indian border guard was killed in a gunfight with rebels in the country's restive northeastern state of Manipur, the Indian Army said Tuesday.

Two army troops were also injured in the region which was the scene of ethnic violence recently.

The Indian Army's northeast-based Spear Corps said the firing took place in the state's Sugnu/Serou area.

"Intermittent firing between Security Forces & group of insurgents took place throughout the night of 05/06 June. Security Forces effectively retaliated to the fire," the army said in a statement.

Search operations continue in the area, the statement further said.

Manipur has been tense since last month after ethnic violence erupted in the state.

Close to 100 people have reportedly been killed and thousands have been displaced following violence that erupted during protests early last month against the inclusion of the majority Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes category, giving them some special privileges.

A panel led by a retired High Court judge will probe the ethnic violence, the Indian government said recently.​​​​​​​