Shocking U-Turn: Manipur Govt Retracts Alarming Claims About ‘900 Kuki Militants Attacking Meiteis’
Last week, Manipur’s security adviser announced receiving intelligence about an alleged infiltration of 900 “Kuki militants” from conflict-ridden Myanmar into the state, with intentions of attacking villages in the Imphal valley districts around September 28. Security forces were said to be on high alert, especially in peripheral areas and hill districts including Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Ukhrul, Kamjong, and Pherzawl.
However, days later, the Manipur government retracted the initial statement, asserting that the likelihood of such attacks by armed groups was minimal and unsubstantiated. In a joint statement, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and DGP Rajiv Singh clarified that the intelligence reports lacked verification on the ground, assuring citizens of their safety and urging them to disregard rumors and unverified news.
Amidst these developments, Manipur Congress MLA Th Lokeshwar criticized the government’s initial claims, citing undue panic among villagers and demanding clear evidence and measures countering the supposed militant threat. Concurrently, the Manipur Tribals’ Forum Delhi accused the government of spreading misinformation and marginalizing Kuki-Zo communities, calling for national intervention to address perceived biases and injustices.
This episode underscores the longstanding tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, exacerbated by competition for land and public sector jobs. Last week also saw Meitei protesters in Imphal demanding decisive action against Kuki insurgents, reflecting deep-rooted community animosities.
The situation remains dynamic, with security forces maintaining heightened vigilance and the public being urged to seek verified information amidst claims and counterclaims from various stakeholders.
Original Story https://www.livemint.com/news/india/manipur-govt-takes-u-turn-on-claims-about-900-kuki-militants-attacking-meiteis-11727329802393.html
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