Gunfight erupts between Army and militants in Manipur; search ops. launched: police

A gunfight erupted between the Indian Army and insurgents in Manipur's Bishnupur district, a police statement said on Thursday (March 26, 2026).

The gun-battle, which lasted for around 30 minutes, started after suspected Kuki militants opened fire at an Army post on Wednesday night (March 25, 2026).

"At approximately 11.40 p.m. on Wednesday (March 25, 2026), suspected armed Kuki militants opened fire in the general area of Phouljang/Gothol, directing their fire towards an Indian Army post in Phougakchao Awang Leikai," the statement said.

"The Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (58th Battalion), deployed in the area, responded swiftly by returning fire towards the source, resulting in an exchange that lasted approximately 30 minutes," it said.

Following the gunfight, a combined search operation was launched by the Army, CRPF, police and Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), in the area where the firing took place and the adjoining hill areas.

"The situation is being closely monitored, and security forces will continue operations in the surrounding hill areas," it said, while urging civilians to refrain from spreading rumours.