ITLF Strongly Condemns Escalating Tensions in Manipur Amid Alarming False Intelligence Claims
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has strongly criticized Manipur’s Chief Minister and security advisor for making statements that have allegedly incited fears of violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
According to ITLF, a disinformation campaign began following the release of audio tapes that seemingly implicated the Chief Minister in acts of violence against the Kuki-Zo community. This campaign has escalated tensions and led to public unrest.
“An intelligence report, supposedly from the Chief Minister’s office, claimed that over 900 Kuki militants had infiltrated Manipur from Myanmar,” ITLF stated. However, this claim was quickly disputed by the Indian Army, which denied any knowledge of such an infiltration. Despite this, state security advisor Kuldiep Singh supported the Chief Minister’s assertions, further intensifying fears within both communities. Social media has since been flooded with posts warning of potential “counterattacks” from the Meitei community, while tribal groups brace for perceived imminent aggression.
While the state government has since tried to retract its statements, urging the public to remain calm and not to worry, the situation remains volatile. The ITLF maintains that any ensuing violence should be blamed on the Chief Minister and his advisors for spreading unverified intelligence.
The ITLF’s condemnation comes as a call for accountability and de-escalation, emphasizing that the spreading of unsubstantiated information by high-ranking officials is dangerous and irresponsible. The Forum urges all involved parties to seek peaceful resolution and to avoid further inflaming an already tense situation.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/itlf-condemns-escalating-tensions-in-manipur-amid-false-intelligence-claims-1098485-2024-09-26?utm_source=rssfeed
Category :
Tags:
