Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Imphal, Mar 11: Three Border Security Force (BSF) personnel lost their lives, and nine others sustained injuries after their bus plunged into a deep gorge in Manipur’s Senapati district on Tuesday.
According to police sources, the accident occurred in Changoubung village, where a bus carrying around 15 BSF personnel veered off the road and fell into a gorge. Twelve jawans were injured in the crash, and three later succumbed to their injuries.
The BSF personnel were returning to their camp in Kangpokpi district after completing road-opening duty when the tragic incident took place. The injured personnel are currently undergoing treatment at the Senapati District Hospital. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, and further details are awaited.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. In a statement posted on social media, the Manipur Raj Bhavan said, "Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident in Changoubung village, Senapati district, where three BSF personnel lost their lives. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prays for the swift recovery of the injured."
The accident comes at a time when thousands of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel—including BSF, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)—are stationed in Manipur to maintain law and order following ongoing ethnic violence.
Manipur has been reeling under ethnic clashes between the tribal Kuki-Zo and the non-tribal Meitei communities since May 3, 2023. So far, at least 258 people have been killed and over 1,500 injured in the violence. Additionally, more than 70,000 people have been displaced from their homes and are currently taking shelter in relief camps across Manipur and neighboring states.
The conflict escalated following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized by tribal groups to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The situation remains tense, with security forces continuing operations to prevent further clashes.