On September 15, security forces launched a search operation in the border and sensitive areas.
It has come to light that 900 Kuki extremists have infiltrated into Manipur from Myanmar. State Security Adviser Kuldeep Singh gave this information in a press conference on Friday, September 20. He said that for the last three-four days there is news of the movement of extremists.
According to the security adviser, intelligence agencies have reported that infiltrating militants are using drone bombs, weapons, missiles and guerrilla warfare. They are in groups of 30-30 and are hidden in different areas.
Kuldeep Singh said that terrorists may attack Maitei villages around September 28. Several districts including Churachandpur, Tengnopal, Ukhrul, Kamjong and Ferjaul have been put on high alert amid fears of an attack.
Since May 3, 2023, violence has been going on between the Kuki and Maitei communities in Manipur over reservation. According to government figures, 237 people have died in the violence so far. More than 1500 people have been injured. More than 60 thousand people have left their homes.
During a joint operation with the Manipur Police, CRPF and BSF, the Army seized a large quantity of arms, ammunition and other weapons in Churachandpur on September 12.
Abduction of Minister's Personal Assistant in Imphal On the other hand, Manipur minister L. Susindero's personal assistant was abducted from near his residence. The incident took place at 8.30 am.
The personal assistant has been identified as 43-year-old Sarangthem Somerandro. He was on his way to his official work at the time of the incident. Police said the kidnappers also fired several rounds of bullets.
Five empty cartridges have been recovered from the spot. The search for the abducted person is on. The reason behind his abduction is not known. Also, no rebel group has claimed responsibility for the incident.
Recent incidents of violence in Manipur…
September 1 – Drone attack for the first time : On September 1, the state witnessed its first ever drone attack. In Kotruk village of Imphal West district, militants fired from hilltops and launched drone attacks on Kotruk and lower areas of Kadangband valley. In which 2 people were killed and 9 people were injured.
September 3- Another drone attack: Extremists carried out a drone attack in Sejam Chirang village of Imphal district. Three people including a woman were injured. Extremists have also carried out drone strikes in residential areas, tearing off roofs of houses as they explode. The militants also fired from the hilltop.
September 6- Rocket attack on former Chief Minister's house: Former Chief Minister Merambam Koireng's house was attacked in Moirang in Bishnupur district of Manipur. Kuki extremists lobbed rocket bombs. An old man was killed in this attack, while 5 people were injured. Merambam Koireng was the first Chief Minister of the state.
September 7- Two attacks in Jiribam, 5 killed: The first incident took place about 7 KM away from the district headquarters. Here shadowy hill extremists barged into a house and shot dead an elderly man while he was sleeping. He lived alone in the house. In another incident, there was a shootout between Kuki and Maitei people. In which 4 people died.
In 4 points- Manipur violence reasons
The population of Manipur is about 38 lakhs. There are three main communities here. Meitei, Naga and Kuki. Maitei are mostly Hindus. The Nga-Kuki follow Christianity. falls under ST category. They constitute about 50% of the population. The Maitei community dominates the Imphal Valley, which covers about 10% of the state's area. Naga-Kuki constitute about 34 percent of the population. These people live in almost 90% of the state.
How the controversy started: The Maitei community is demanding that they too be given tribal status. The community filed a petition in the Manipur High Court for this. The community's contention was that Manipur had merged with India in 1949. Before that they got only tribal status. Following this, the High Court recommended to the state government that Maitei be included in the Scheduled Tribe (ST).
What is Maitei's argument: The Maitei tribe believes that years ago their kings called the Kukis from Myanmar to fight a war. After that he became a permanent resident. These people cut forests for employment and started opium cultivation. Due to which Manipur has become a triangle of drug smuggling. All this is happening openly. He formed an armed group to fight the Naga people.
Why Naga-Kuki is against: The other two tribes are against giving reservation to Maitei community. They say 40 of the state's 60 assembly seats are already in the Maitei-dominated Imphal Valley. In such a situation, if Maiteos get reservation in ST category, their rights will be divided.
What are political equations: Out of 60 MLAs in Manipur, 40 MLAs belong to Meitei and 20 MLAs belong to Naga-Kuki tribe. So far only two out of 12 CMs have come from the tribe.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
