A Manipur Police Service (MPS) officer was shot dead in Moreh by suspected Kuki militants on Tuesday, in the latest escalation of violence in the six month old ethnic unrest in the unrest.

The slain officer is Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Moreh Chingtham Anand Kumar, 50, son of Ch Kunjabihari of Kwakeithel Moirang Purel, Imphal West.

He was shot at by a sniper while he was inspecting the construction of a new helipad meant for state forces and paramilitary forces at Eastern Shine School, Moreh around 9.45 am on Tuesday.

The new helipad became essential as the route from the Assam Rifles helipad at Kondong Lairembi to Moreh town was frequently disturbed by Kuki women-folk and passage blocked.

Police said the incident took place while state police along with central forces including SP Special Commando Th Krishnatombi and CO of 5 IRB H Balaram were inspecting the helipad.

The bullet, suspected to have fired from a sniper rifle hit the back of Anand and exited from his abdomen. The MPS officer succumbed to his injury around 10.15 am while trying to air-lift him to Imphal.

The body was later transported in a helicopter and brought to JNIMS. After performing the necessary formalities, the autopsy was conducted at JNIMS morgue and deposited at JNIMS morgue.

A combing operation was conducted by a combined team in the area after the incident, according to official sources. However, it is not known whether Assam Rifles or other paramilitary forces took part in the operations.

Meanwhile, the Joint Action Committee against Cold-Blooded Killing of Ch Anand, SDPO, Moreh by Chin Kuki Narco Terrorist’ on Tuesday demanded the government to take up legal action against all the CSOs and students supporting the ‘Chin-Kuki Narco terrorists’ who are waging a war against the country.

A public meeting was conducted at the community hall of Youth Development Club, Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai, Imphal West.

The meeting unanimously resolved that the present government should wipe out all the ‘Chin Kuki Narco Terrorists’ from its operating areas and from the state; CSOs, students’ bodies, and legal action should be initiated against any group who are supporting the war instigated by Chin Kuki Narco Terrorists; and the state government should announce to the public when the unrest is going to end.

The meeting further resolved that if the demands are not fulfilled by November 5, intensified agitation will be launched with support from the public and various CSOs.