New Delhi: An Assam Rifles jawan in Manipur reportedly shot six colleagues before killing himself near the Indo-Myanmar border on Wednesday (January 24) morning.The incident occurred soon after the jawan had returned to work after being on leave in his home in Churachandpur, The Indian Express reported. “On Wednesday morning, the personnel picked up a weapon and allegedly fired at his colleagues, injuring six. He then used the same weapon to shoot himself,” the newspaper stated.The Wire has learnt that the jawan is from the Kuki community. Manipur has been in the grip of ethnic tensions since May 3. In a statement, the Assam Rifles have stated that this shooting incident had nothing to do with the ethnic violence.“In light of the ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur, it is important to share the details of the incident transparently to dispel any potential rumours and avoid any speculation. This unfortunate incident should not be correlated with ongoing conflict, given the fact that none of the injured are from Manipur. Investigation into the incident has been ordered to ascertain the facts,” the statement, shared by the Manipur Police on X, said.From PRO of IG AR (s):There has been an incident of firing by an Assam Rifles Jawan in an ASSAM RIFLES BATTALION deployed close to the Indo – Myanmar border in South Manipur.One Assam Rifles Jawan opened fire on his colleagues injuring six of them (all injured are…— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) January 24, 2024