Guwahati, July 15: He had taken a “holiday pass” to return home the next day. It was a visit his family had eagerly awaited, their hearts swelling with pride and joy at the thought of his homecoming. But fate, cruel and unforgiving, had other plans. The soldier, a CRPF jawan, had been killed by suspected militants turning a journey of joy into a procession of sorrow.

The jawan, CRPF driver namely, Ajoy Kumar Jha (43) was killed in a firing incident in Jiribam on Sunday morning. A team of Manipur Police and CRPF was carrying out checking of security forces deployment, area domination and enquiry into Saturday’s night firing incident at Mongbung village, Jiribam, when it came under heavy fire with sophisticated weapons by suspected Kuki militants from multiple locations.

Manipur police said on X, security forces also retaliated and an encounter ensued for 15-20 minutes. Further, two personnel of Manipur Police namely, SI K Romendro and Rfn. Robindro sustained splinter injuries and were evacuated to Jiribam Hospital for medical treatment and are out of danger.

“Reinforcement of security forces led by senior officials rushed to the site and ops is going on. Combing ops will continue to apprehend the culprits involved in the incident,” Manipur Police said adding the police are monitoring the situation constantly and senior officers are in the district to supervise the security arrangement and also the ongoing combing operations.

Incidentally, a policeman who stayed in the same barrack with the CRPF soldier who was killed by militants posted a video, showing the CRPF soldier’s neatly packed bag and belongings on his bed.

His eyes were red, not just from lack of sleep, but from the weight of the grief he bore. The bag belonged to his colleague, a CRPF soldier from Madhuban, Bihar.

“The family must have been looking forward to his return,” he said, his voice breaking. “Now, tragically, he will return only as a body. Rest in peace, braveheart brother. Our deepest respect and condolences to the family.”

The policeman’s voice grew softer, almost a whisper. “Let’s all pray peace returns to Manipur before more precious lives are lost and families shattered.”

CRPF said on X, “On 14 July 2024, during an ambush by militants on a joint party of 20 Battalion CRPF and State Police at Jiribam, Manipur, brave Constable Driver Ajay Kumar Jha sacrificed his life in the line of duty.”

“Salutes our brave soldier’s indomitable courage, valour and devotion to the motherland. We always stand with the family of our brave man,” CRPF said.

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