Tag: Manipur

  • Amit Shah Chairs High-Level Meeting In Delhi To Review Manipur Security Situation |

    New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday chaired a high-level meeting in the national capital to review the security situation in Manipur.

    Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka, Army Chief General Manoj Pande, Army Chief (Designate) Lt General Upendra Dwivedi, GoC Three Core HS Sahi, Security Advisor to Manipur Kuldiep Singh, Manipur Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, Manipur DGP Rajiv Singh and Assam Rifles DG Pradeep Chandran Nair joined the meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs in North Block, Delhi.

    The meeting comes a day after Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uike called on the Home Minister at his office and learned to be briefed about the situations in the north-eastern state.

    The meeting was held at the Ministry of Home Affairs as fresh violence was reported in the northern state.

    The northeastern state has been witnessing ethnic violence since May 3 last year following clashes during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category.

    In fresh violence, several houses belonging to both Meitei and Kuki communities were burned by unknown miscreants in Kotlen following the murder of a person earlier this month, the Manipur Police said.

    Around 600 people from Manipur’s Jiribam area are now taking shelter in Assam’s Cachar district following fresh violence reported in Manipur’s Jiribam area.

    The Cachar district police have heightened security along the bordering areas.

  • Third Eye: Force of habit, nowhere to go, peace first, election later

    Force of habitPoliticians frequently jumping from one party to another is causing a lot of confusion, not just for voters but even for those who are campaigning for them. Recently in a joint campaign event in Pune, Shiv Sena (Shinde group) leader Neelam Gorhe asked people to vote for Shirur Lok Sabha candidate Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil and said that his symbol was a bow and arrow of the Shiv Sena. The only problem was that Patil had just quit the Shiv Sena to join the NCP (Ajit camp) whose symbol is the clock. Gorhe’s gaffe created a lot of dilemma in the audience and she too laughed it away saying that it was just “force of habit”.Nowhere to goWhile Surendranagar Lok Sabha seat has been embroiled in caste controversy with Talpada Kolis protesting against the BJP fielding a Chuvalia Koli candidate, the perennial turncoat Soma Ganda threw his hat in the ring to obtain a ticket from the Congress. However, with the Congress fielding Rutvij Makwana, Ganda “resigned” from the party. But the only problem being, he was suspended from the Congress back in 2020 and never allowed back in. He was not affiliated with any party when he resigned. Peace first, election laterWith Manipur reeling under several months long ethnic strife, the state is awaiting political visitors in wake of Lok Sabha elections. There are hardly any political rallies and meetings associated with elections. The hotels are waiting for big orders to take care of the political functionaries. Even though the room occupancy in hotels is somewhat decent as officials from various departments are still there, but the big national leaders are yet to campaign in the state. However, the political mood of the state has not picked up as people feel that peace should come first and elections later.

  • Expecting that President’s Rule be imposed in Manipur- Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma

    With the situation in Manipur not improving, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma said that he has been expecting that President’s Rule be imposed in Manipur.

    Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 71st Plenary Session of the North East Council in Shillong, he said, “There has to be a solution between the government of India, government of India and tribal leaders.”

    When asked if the situation warrants imposition in Manipur, he said, “That is what we are expecting as it has been very long. The situation does not change and sometimes it becomes worse”. He said those people from Manipur who have taken refuge in Mizoram are Indians. “Indian constitution provides that they can settle anywhere in the country. Unless normalcy returns to the state of Manipur, we will look after them.”

    When asked if there is the need for the Centre to intervene, the chief minister said, “Yes it is the responsibility of the Home ministry to intervene if there is trouble anywhere in the country. There has to be a solution between the tribal leaders and the state government; it must be liaised by the home ministry. We have nothing to do and we need to look after the people who are staying there.”

    He added, “People are fleeing from Myanmar to our for shelter and we are providing the same. The population, today is more tomorrow less. Soldiers of Myanmar keep on coming seeking shelter, we send them by air. Around 450 army personnel were sent back. “Around 276 Myanmar Army personnel, who took refuge in Mizoram’s Lawngtlai District after their camps were captured by the Arakan Army (AA) militants, would be repatriated soon.An official in Mizoram said 276 Myanmar soldiers with their arms and ammunition reached Bandukbanga Village situated on the Mizoram-Myanmar-Bangladesh border trijunction, in southernmost Lawngtlai district on Wednesday afternoon. They are now being taken care of by the Assam Rifles at their Parva camp in Lawngtlai district.

    Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to apprise them of the concerns of the Mizos and the issue of Myanmarese refugees, especially with the present proposal by India to fence the border with Myanmar. He also pushed for a Greater Mizoram as part of Akhand Bharat.

    During his first official visit after taking over as chief minister after winning the assembly polls in December last year, the Mizoram CM apprised the PM that the current border with Myanmar was forced upon the two ethnic groups without their prior consent. Infact, he later said, during his meeting with the external affairs minister, that the demarcation of the two countries was forced upon by the British and that Mizos find it is impossible to accept the border. He said that if border fencing with Myanmar is done, it would be considered as a sign of separation “from our ethnic brethren”.

    Lalduhoma stated that the wish of people on both sides of the border is to come under one administration, and that the refugees seeking shelter inside Mizoram are not treated differently but as their brethren.

    Lalduhoma stated in his Instagram page that the PM had advised him to submit a proposal for a more uniformed system of Inner Line Permit (ILP).

    Over 38,000 people from Myanmar have taken refuge in Mizoram since the military coup in February 2021. Another 1,000 people from the Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh had also come to Mizoram.

    The former Mizoram government, led by the Mizo National Front (MNF), had opposed the Centre’s order to deport Myanmarese refugees while allowing them to take shelter in the state.

    Following the ethnic clashes in Manipur and ahead of the assembly polls in Mizoram, Zo unification had become an electoral issue with the MNF raking up the demand for a Greater Mizoram. Zo unification means bringing all ethnic communities — Mizos of Mizoram, Kuki-Zomis of Manipur, Chins of Myanmar and Bangladesh — under one administrative umbrella.

    The hilly area of Manipur, adjoining Mizoram, is inhabited by the Zo community which share the same culture, religion, tradition and ancestry.

    Around 13,000 people from Kuki-Zo community have taken shelter in Mizoram following ethnic violence in Manipur. The majority of those who have reached Mizoram belong to the Chin community (or Zos) who share their ancestry, ethnicity, and culture with the Mizos of Mizoram.

    Manipur witnessed unprecedented violent clashes, attacks, counter attacks and arsoning of houses, vehicles and government and private properties in more than 10 districts during and after May 3 ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ called by the All-Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM) to oppose the demand for inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category.

    Manipur is devastated by nine month long ethnic violence between the non-tribal Meitei and tribal Kuki-Zo community and over 185 people have been killed and over 1,500 people injured and displaced over 70,000 people of both communities so far.

  • Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra: People are asking us why PM Modi has not visited Manipur: Congress’ Jairam Ramesh

    Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who is with Rahul Gandhi in Manipur for ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ said that people are asking us why PM Modi has not visited Manipur.

    The second day of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra resumed from Imphal West in Manipur in the early hours of Monday.

    Jairam Ramesh told that Rahul Gandhi listened to the pain of the people in Manipur.”People are asking us why PM Modi has not visited Manipur? Everyone wants Rahul Gandhi to raise this issue in parliament and ask the PM to come to Manipur and meet the people. You can see how many people have gathered here. Rahul ji listened to the pain of those who are not able to go to school and colleges and those who are still in relief camps,” he said.

    He further asserted that everyone in the violence-hit state wants a strong government.

    “There is no governance here since last 8 months. Two ministers here are working online; they are not even in Manipur. Everyone wants a government–a sensitive government and a strong government. This is also the question that you have the mandate; your party is in power here and in Delhi. You consider yourself a double-engine government; then why are the people in pain?” he added.The Yatra will be halted in Nagaland at night after it started from Sekmai, then will go to Kangpokpi and then Senapati in Manipur.Meanwhile on Sunday, party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi flagged off the yatra from Manipur’s Thoubal. The yatra will cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, traversing through 110 districts.

    The leaders and workers of the party paid a silent tribute to the people killed in the violence in the state before the start of the yatra.

    Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said that his party started the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra to ensure justice to the people as they are facing a period of ‘great injustice’ in the country.

    “The questions arose- why the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. It is because we are going through a period of great injustice in India. It is of all kinds – social, political and economical,” Rahul Gandhi said after launching his yatra from Manipur’s Thoubal.

  • Replying to RSS chief’s question, Manipur tribal body claims CM Biren Singh instigated ethnic strife

    By PTI

    IMPHAL: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), an organisation of the Kuki-Zo community, on Tuesday alleged that Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has “instigated” the ethnic strife in the northeastern state which began in early May.

    Commenting on RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remark that Meiteis and Kukis, the two warring communities in the state, were living together for a long time, the ITLF asked why no clashes had taken place between the two sides before the present government started ruling the state in March 2017.

    Addressing the RSS Dussehra rally at Nagpur earlier in the day, Bhagwat said, “Who actually fuelled the conflict? It (violence) is not happening, it is being made to happen.”

    In a statement, the ITLF alleged that the answer to his question is Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

    The tribal organisation also raised a series of questions on the Manipur situation such as why AFSPA was recently removed only in valley areas and not in hill districts.

    While the Meitis live mainly in the Imphal Valley, Kukis are in majority in hills districts.

    Another question raised by the ITLF is: “Why was the government notification of 1966 regarding ‘reserved’ and ‘protected’ forests under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 suddenly implemented in 2023?” 

    The strife in Manipur was preceded by protests by tribals against a drive by the state government to evict them from reserve forest areas.

    “What Manipur witnessed in the past few years was a highly coordinated assault on the rights and protections that tribals enjoyed under the constitution,” The ITLF statement read.

    More than 180 people have been killed and several hundreds injured since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3 when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

    Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley.

    Tribals — Nagas and Kukis — constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

    IMPHAL: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), an organisation of the Kuki-Zo community, on Tuesday alleged that Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has “instigated” the ethnic strife in the northeastern state which began in early May.

    Commenting on RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remark that Meiteis and Kukis, the two warring communities in the state, were living together for a long time, the ITLF asked why no clashes had taken place between the two sides before the present government started ruling the state in March 2017.

    Addressing the RSS Dussehra rally at Nagpur earlier in the day, Bhagwat said, “Who actually fuelled the conflict? It (violence) is not happening, it is being made to happen.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    In a statement, the ITLF alleged that the answer to his question is Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

    The tribal organisation also raised a series of questions on the Manipur situation such as why AFSPA was recently removed only in valley areas and not in hill districts.

    While the Meitis live mainly in the Imphal Valley, Kukis are in majority in hills districts.

    Another question raised by the ITLF is: “Why was the government notification of 1966 regarding ‘reserved’ and ‘protected’ forests under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 suddenly implemented in 2023?” 

    The strife in Manipur was preceded by protests by tribals against a drive by the state government to evict them from reserve forest areas.

    “What Manipur witnessed in the past few years was a highly coordinated assault on the rights and protections that tribals enjoyed under the constitution,” The ITLF statement read.

    More than 180 people have been killed and several hundreds injured since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3 when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

    Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley.

    Tribals — Nagas and Kukis — constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

  • Manipur: Kuki-Zo groups demand release of arrested tribals within 48 hours

    By Express News Service

    GUWAHATI: Kuki-Zo organisations in strife-torn Manipur registered a protest on Monday against the arrest of five tribals by central agencies and demanded their release within 48 hours.

    Normal life came to a grinding halt in the Kuki-majority hill district of Churachandpur during an indefinite shutdown which was called by some tribal organisations. All shops and business establishments remained shut while vehicles were off the road. 

    The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested four tribals, including two women, from Henglep in Churachandpur on Monday by intercepting a Bolero. The arrests were made in connection with the abduction and killing of two Meitei students. 

    Two minor girls – daughters of one of the arrested women and travelling in the vehicle – were also taken into custody. After the six persons were flown out of Manipur to Guwahati in Assam by the evening, the two children were handed over to the District Child Protection Officer, Kamrup Metro district in Guwahati for their care.

    The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had also arrested another tribal in a case related to a transnational conspiracy by insurgent groups based in Myanmar and Bangladesh to wage a war against India by exploiting the unrest in Manipur.

    The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) condemned the “selective haste” of the central agencies in arresting the persons.

    “If the CBI can act with such swiftness, why has it not arrested anyone in more heinous cases, like the rape and murder of two tribal girls in Imphal, burning of a 7-year-old tribal boy along with his mother and aunt, torture and beheading of a tribal youth, and so many other acts of atrocities against tribals?” the ITLF asked.

    The CoTU condemned the CBI and the NIA for their alleged attempt to bring “one-sided” justice. The tribal organisation said it was “compelled to impose an emergency shutdown” on National Highway 37 – the lifeline of Manipur – till the authorities expedite the safe release of one of the “abducted” persons “Satthang Kipgen”.

    Further, the organisation served an “ultimatum” on the home ministry to direct the central agencies to release the arrested persons within 48 hours, initiate a probe against “Meitei criminals” and convict them for “natural justice”.

    GUWAHATI: Kuki-Zo organisations in strife-torn Manipur registered a protest on Monday against the arrest of five tribals by central agencies and demanded their release within 48 hours.

    Normal life came to a grinding halt in the Kuki-majority hill district of Churachandpur during an indefinite shutdown which was called by some tribal organisations. All shops and business establishments remained shut while vehicles were off the road. 

    The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested four tribals, including two women, from Henglep in Churachandpur on Monday by intercepting a Bolero. The arrests were made in connection with the abduction and killing of two Meitei students. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Two minor girls – daughters of one of the arrested women and travelling in the vehicle – were also taken into custody. After the six persons were flown out of Manipur to Guwahati in Assam by the evening, the two children were handed over to the District Child Protection Officer, Kamrup Metro district in Guwahati for their care.

    The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had also arrested another tribal in a case related to a transnational conspiracy by insurgent groups based in Myanmar and Bangladesh to wage a war against India by exploiting the unrest in Manipur.

    The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) condemned the “selective haste” of the central agencies in arresting the persons.

    “If the CBI can act with such swiftness, why has it not arrested anyone in more heinous cases, like the rape and murder of two tribal girls in Imphal, burning of a 7-year-old tribal boy along with his mother and aunt, torture and beheading of a tribal youth, and so many other acts of atrocities against tribals?” the ITLF asked.

    The CoTU condemned the CBI and the NIA for their alleged attempt to bring “one-sided” justice. The tribal organisation said it was “compelled to impose an emergency shutdown” on National Highway 37 – the lifeline of Manipur – till the authorities expedite the safe release of one of the “abducted” persons “Satthang Kipgen”.

    Further, the organisation served an “ultimatum” on the home ministry to direct the central agencies to release the arrested persons within 48 hours, initiate a probe against “Meitei criminals” and convict them for “natural justice”.

  • NIA arrests man in Manipur for alleged role in transnational conspiracy case

    By Express News Service

    GUWAHATI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a man in Manipur on Saturday in a case related to a transnational conspiracy by Myanmar and Bangladesh-based leadership of some terror outfits to wage a war against India by exploiting the ethnic unrest in the northeastern state.

    The accused, Seiminlun Gangte, was arrested from the hill district of Churachandpur and taken to New Delhi. He will be produced before the jurisdictional court. 

    The NIA had registered a case suo moto on July 19 in New Delhi.

    “Investigation by NIA revealed that Myanmar and Bangladesh-based militant groups have entered into a conspiracy with a section of militant leaders in India to indulge in incidents of violence with an intention to drive a wedge between different ethnic groups and to wage war against the Government of India,” NIA said in a statement.

    “And for this purpose, the aforementioned leadership has been providing funds to procure arms, ammunition and other types of terrorist hardware which are being sourced both, from across the border, as well as from other terrorist outfits active in North Eastern States of India to stoke the current ethnic strife in Manipur,” the statement further said. 

    GUWAHATI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a man in Manipur on Saturday in a case related to a transnational conspiracy by Myanmar and Bangladesh-based leadership of some terror outfits to wage a war against India by exploiting the ethnic unrest in the northeastern state.

    The accused, Seiminlun Gangte, was arrested from the hill district of Churachandpur and taken to New Delhi. He will be produced before the jurisdictional court. 

    The NIA had registered a case suo moto on July 19 in New Delhi.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “Investigation by NIA revealed that Myanmar and Bangladesh-based militant groups have entered into a conspiracy with a section of militant leaders in India to indulge in incidents of violence with an intention to drive a wedge between different ethnic groups and to wage war against the Government of India,” NIA said in a statement.

    “And for this purpose, the aforementioned leadership has been providing funds to procure arms, ammunition and other types of terrorist hardware which are being sourced both, from across the border, as well as from other terrorist outfits active in North Eastern States of India to stoke the current ethnic strife in Manipur,” the statement further said.
     

  • Manipur violence: action of forces against students will be punished, says CM Biren Singh

    By PTI

    IMPHAL: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh Saturday iterated that security personnel involved in the “excessive use of force” against students during a crackdown on a protest rally here in connection with the alleged killing of two students will be punished.

    He appealed to the people to remain united, maintain calm and collectively fight the enemies of the state, which has witnessed ethnic violence.

    Expressing shock over the incident in the Imphal area which more than 100 students were injured in clashes with security forces on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, Singh, who was speaking at the sidelines of a programme here, said “I am really shocked at the excessive use of force. At what was done to the children. Ministers of the state have personally met the injured students.”

    “Those responsible for the extreme injuries will be arrested and be dealt with legally,” the chief minister said.

    Two students were seriously injured in the clash between the state police and the Rapid Action Force during two consecutive days.

    One of them received more than 40 pellet bullets on his skull fired by security persons and another, 17-year-old L Kishan’s shoulder was shattered by pellets fired from a close range, authorities of the hospital where the two are being treated told reporters.

    “Rs 50,000 has been provided as financial assistance to the badly injured students for treatment. Hospitals have also been informed that expenses for all their requirements will be borne by the government, including those who need to be taken outside Manipur,” the chief minister added.

    The crackdown followed the massive protests by students against the alleged killing of two youths who went missing on July 6.

    Photos of their bodies went viral on social media recently triggering the protests and leading to the sending of a CBI team from Delhi to the state for enquiry.

    “A CBI special director is still in Imphal and an investigation is on,” Singh said.

    Paying his respects to ‘Jana Neta’ Hijam Irabot, the founder of the Communist party in the state, on his 127th birth anniversary at the programme, he said.

    “On this day, I want to urge all again to remain calm, stay united and collectively fight the enemies of the state. To come and sit together to resolve all misunderstandings so as to protect the integrity of the state and to live peacefully,” he said.

    READ MORE | Manipur govt calls for restraint after photos showing ‘bodies’ of two missing students surface

    ALSO READ: Meitei Committee condemns ‘brutal’ assault on protesting students by security personnel

    IMPHAL: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh Saturday iterated that security personnel involved in the “excessive use of force” against students during a crackdown on a protest rally here in connection with the alleged killing of two students will be punished.

    He appealed to the people to remain united, maintain calm and collectively fight the enemies of the state, which has witnessed ethnic violence.

    Expressing shock over the incident in the Imphal area which more than 100 students were injured in clashes with security forces on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, Singh, who was speaking at the sidelines of a programme here, said “I am really shocked at the excessive use of force. At what was done to the children. Ministers of the state have personally met the injured students.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “Those responsible for the extreme injuries will be arrested and be dealt with legally,” the chief minister said.

    Two students were seriously injured in the clash between the state police and the Rapid Action Force during two consecutive days.

    One of them received more than 40 pellet bullets on his skull fired by security persons and another, 17-year-old L Kishan’s shoulder was shattered by pellets fired from a close range, authorities of the hospital where the two are being treated told reporters.

    “Rs 50,000 has been provided as financial assistance to the badly injured students for treatment. Hospitals have also been informed that expenses for all their requirements will be borne by the government, including those who need to be taken outside Manipur,” the chief minister added.

    The crackdown followed the massive protests by students against the alleged killing of two youths who went missing on July 6.

    Photos of their bodies went viral on social media recently triggering the protests and leading to the sending of a CBI team from Delhi to the state for enquiry.

    “A CBI special director is still in Imphal and an investigation is on,” Singh said.

    Paying his respects to ‘Jana Neta’ Hijam Irabot, the founder of the Communist party in the state, on his 127th birth anniversary at the programme, he said.

    “On this day, I want to urge all again to remain calm, stay united and collectively fight the enemies of the state. To come and sit together to resolve all misunderstandings so as to protect the integrity of the state and to live peacefully,” he said.

    READ MORE | Manipur govt calls for restraint after photos showing ‘bodies’ of two missing students surface

    ALSO READ: Meitei Committee condemns ‘brutal’ assault on protesting students by security personnel

  • Militants openly instigating mobs in strife-torn Manipur cause concern for security agencies

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI/IMPHAL: The worst fears for security agencies seem to have come true as militants have been seen moving around openly and instigating mobs in Imphal valley which have been on a rampaging spree after pictures of two missing teenagers surfaced on social media.

    According to officials, during attacks carried out at a police party Wednesday evening, armed men dressed in black uniforms were seen giving directions to the agitated youths to attack the police and many vehicles were then torched.

    The security agencies have been warning that militants belonging to the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and other banned groups have become part of the mobs and carrying out sneak attacks on security forces as well as giving directions to the agitators.

    Recently, the presence of insurgents was found within a mob that carried out an attack on security forces injuring a Lt Col of the army near Pallel in Tengnoupal.

    As reported by PTI on September 11, central security agencies had warned about the possibility of militants mingling with crowds during any protest to stoke tensions in restive Manipur.

    The burning down of a police vehicle saw the presence of armed militants directing the crowd.

    Besides this, miscreants in the crowd used iron pieces which were fired towards security personnel with the help of automated slingshots.

    Over a dozen police personnel including an officer of the rank of additional Superintendent of Police have been injured in these clashes that erupted in Imphal valley after surfacing of pictures of missing teenagers, who are suspected to have been killed during the ethnic clashes.

    The officials reiterated that the current unrest has seen the resurgence of near dormant banned groups like UNLF, PLA, Kanglei Yawol Kanba Lup (KYKL), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) in the state.

    The officials have also warned that the recent release of four youths, who were possessing deadly weapons looted from police armoury, was a dangerous sign and efforts should be intensified to nab and book them under relevant sections of law.

    They said at present, UNLF has a cadre strength of 330 followed by PLA with 300 and KYKL with 25 who are active within the groups of the majority community.

    On June 24, Army and Assam Rifles, based on specific intelligence, nabbed 12 members of KYKL in East Imphal including self-styled ‘lt colonel’ Moirangthem Tamba alias Uttam.

    Uttam was one of the masterminds of the ambush on the 6 Dogra regiment in 2015 that left 18 army soldiers dead.

    The officials said there was every likelihood that the arms and ammunition looted from the Manipur police armoury could have landed with these terror groups.

    Among the arms looted included .303 rifles, Medium Machine Guns (MMG) and AK assault rifles, carbines, Insas Light Machine Guns (LMG), Insas rifles, M-16 and MP5 rifles.

    The officials said around 4,537 arms and 6.32 lakh bullets were missing mainly from Manipur Police Training Centre (MTPC) at Pangei in East Imphal, 7th India Reserve Battalion and 8th Manipur Rifles, both located at Khabeisoi in Imphal city.

    According to them, out of the stolen weapons, 2,900 fell in the lethal category whereas others comprised teargas and mini flare guns.

    Repeated calls by politicians have yielded no results as none of the looted weapons have been deposited back except for those returned in the last week of July.

    There has been no forward movement on the disposal of dead bodies and opening of supply routes from Imphal to hill areas.

    More than 180 people have been killed and several hundred injured since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

    A fresh bout of violence, this time led by students, broke out in the state capital on Tuesday after photos of the bodies of two youths who went missing in July went viral on social media.

    Violent protests continued till the early hours of Thursday with a mob vandalising the deputy commissioner’s office in Imphal West and torching two four-wheelers, officials said.

    On Wednesday night, the protesters clashed with security personnel in Uripok, Yaiskul, Sagolband and Tera areas, prompting the forces to fire several rounds of tear gas shells to control the situation, they said.

    NEW DELHI/IMPHAL: The worst fears for security agencies seem to have come true as militants have been seen moving around openly and instigating mobs in Imphal valley which have been on a rampaging spree after pictures of two missing teenagers surfaced on social media.

    According to officials, during attacks carried out at a police party Wednesday evening, armed men dressed in black uniforms were seen giving directions to the agitated youths to attack the police and many vehicles were then torched.

    The security agencies have been warning that militants belonging to the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and other banned groups have become part of the mobs and carrying out sneak attacks on security forces as well as giving directions to the agitators.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Recently, the presence of insurgents was found within a mob that carried out an attack on security forces injuring a Lt Col of the army near Pallel in Tengnoupal.

    As reported by PTI on September 11, central security agencies had warned about the possibility of militants mingling with crowds during any protest to stoke tensions in restive Manipur.

    The burning down of a police vehicle saw the presence of armed militants directing the crowd.

    Besides this, miscreants in the crowd used iron pieces which were fired towards security personnel with the help of automated slingshots.

    Over a dozen police personnel including an officer of the rank of additional Superintendent of Police have been injured in these clashes that erupted in Imphal valley after surfacing of pictures of missing teenagers, who are suspected to have been killed during the ethnic clashes.

    The officials reiterated that the current unrest has seen the resurgence of near dormant banned groups like UNLF, PLA, Kanglei Yawol Kanba Lup (KYKL), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) in the state.

    The officials have also warned that the recent release of four youths, who were possessing deadly weapons looted from police armoury, was a dangerous sign and efforts should be intensified to nab and book them under relevant sections of law.

    They said at present, UNLF has a cadre strength of 330 followed by PLA with 300 and KYKL with 25 who are active within the groups of the majority community.

    On June 24, Army and Assam Rifles, based on specific intelligence, nabbed 12 members of KYKL in East Imphal including self-styled ‘lt colonel’ Moirangthem Tamba alias Uttam.

    Uttam was one of the masterminds of the ambush on the 6 Dogra regiment in 2015 that left 18 army soldiers dead.

    The officials said there was every likelihood that the arms and ammunition looted from the Manipur police armoury could have landed with these terror groups.

    Among the arms looted included .303 rifles, Medium Machine Guns (MMG) and AK assault rifles, carbines, Insas Light Machine Guns (LMG), Insas rifles, M-16 and MP5 rifles.

    The officials said around 4,537 arms and 6.32 lakh bullets were missing mainly from Manipur Police Training Centre (MTPC) at Pangei in East Imphal, 7th India Reserve Battalion and 8th Manipur Rifles, both located at Khabeisoi in Imphal city.

    According to them, out of the stolen weapons, 2,900 fell in the lethal category whereas others comprised teargas and mini flare guns.

    Repeated calls by politicians have yielded no results as none of the looted weapons have been deposited back except for those returned in the last week of July.

    There has been no forward movement on the disposal of dead bodies and opening of supply routes from Imphal to hill areas.

    More than 180 people have been killed and several hundred injured since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

    A fresh bout of violence, this time led by students, broke out in the state capital on Tuesday after photos of the bodies of two youths who went missing in July went viral on social media.

    Violent protests continued till the early hours of Thursday with a mob vandalising the deputy commissioner’s office in Imphal West and torching two four-wheelers, officials said.

    On Wednesday night, the protesters clashed with security personnel in Uripok, Yaiskul, Sagolband and Tera areas, prompting the forces to fire several rounds of tear gas shells to control the situation, they said.

  • After protest over killings of two missing students, Manipur govt reimposes internet ban for five days

    By Express News Service

    GUWAHATI: After a huge protest on Tuesday over the killings of two missing students, the Manipur government reimposed the ban on mobile internet and internet/data services through VPN in the state for five days with immediate effect.

    Mobile internet services, suspended on May 3 in the wake of ethnic violence, were restored only three days ago.

    “In view of the prevailing law and order situation, the state government views very seriously with utmost sensitivity the reported spread of disinformation, false rumours and other types of violent activities through various social media platforms…The state government decides to suspend/curb the mobile internet data services, internet/data services through VPN in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Manipur for 5 (five) days till 7:45 PM of 01-10-2023,” an order issued by the home department said.

    ALSO READ | Killings of two students trigger massive protest in Manipur, over 50 injured

    “The order is being passed ex-parte in view of the emergent situation…This is issued after obtaining approval of the Competent Authority with immediate effect. All concerned are directed to comply with the orders,” the order further said.

    Over 50 students were injured in state capital Imphal on Tuesday during a massive protest against the killings of two missing students.

    GUWAHATI: After a huge protest on Tuesday over the killings of two missing students, the Manipur government reimposed the ban on mobile internet and internet/data services through VPN in the state for five days with immediate effect.

    Mobile internet services, suspended on May 3 in the wake of ethnic violence, were restored only three days ago.

    “In view of the prevailing law and order situation, the state government views very seriously with utmost sensitivity the reported spread of disinformation, false rumours and other types of violent activities through various social media platforms…The state government decides to suspend/curb the mobile internet data services, internet/data services through VPN in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Manipur for 5 (five) days till 7:45 PM of 01-10-2023,” an order issued by the home department said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    ALSO READ | Killings of two students trigger massive protest in Manipur, over 50 injured

    “The order is being passed ex-parte in view of the emergent situation…This is issued after obtaining approval of the Competent Authority with immediate effect. All concerned are directed to comply with the orders,” the order further said.

    Over 50 students were injured in state capital Imphal on Tuesday during a massive protest against the killings of two missing students.