In a shocking case of fratricide, a CRPF havildar allegedly killed two personnel, wounded eight others, and later turned the gun on himself in Imphal West district. The incident raises concerns over the mental health of jawans deployed in high-stress environments like Manipur, where ethnic clashes have persisted for months.
BY PC Bureau
In yet another tragic case of fratricide, a CRPF jawan allegedly killed two of his colleagues and injured eight others before taking his own life at a camp in Manipur on Thursday, official sources reported.
The incident occurred at the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Lamphel, Imphal West district, around 8:20 pm. The accused, Havildar Sanjay Kumar of the 120th battalion, opened fire with his service weapon, killing a constable and a sub-inspector on the spot before turning the gun on himself.
The eight injured CRPF personnel were immediately rushed to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for treatment.
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Mounting Pressure on Security Forces in Manipur
CRPF jawan opens fire inside a camp in #Manipur, killing three personnel and injuring eight others, before taking his own life
Incident took place at a CRPF camp, motive yet to be confirmed. Injured personnel receiving treatment at Imphal hospital pic.twitter.com/u7oOEOik1j
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) February 13, 2025
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in the violence-stricken state. Security personnel in Manipur have been operating under extreme stress since ethnic clashes broke out in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The prolonged instability, coupled with high alert duties, lack of rest, and psychological distress, has been taking a toll on the forces deployed in the region.
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Similar incidents have been reported in the past, where personnel have resorted to extreme actions due to mental fatigue and frustration. The constant state of emergency, harsh conditions, and an unpredictable law-and-order situation in Manipur contribute to deteriorating mental health among security personnel.
Urgent Need for Mental Health Support for Jawans
With continued deployment in volatile regions, the need for mental health support, regular counseling, and stress-relief mechanisms for jawans has become critical. Experts have repeatedly emphasized that prolonged exposure to high-risk environments without adequate psychological care increases the risk of fratricide and suicides in the forces.
As Manipur remains in turmoil, such incidents underscore the urgent need for better working conditions and mental health interventions for security personnel serving in conflict zone
