Manipur Govt Retracts Claim of Planned Attack; Tribal Bodies Urge Caution in Kuki-Zo Areas

Imphal: The Manipur government has retracted its earlier assertion regarding an impending attack by approximately 900 Kuki militants infiltrating from Myanmar, stating that the likelihood of any such armed groups causing violence is minimal and unsubstantiated. In a joint statement, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and DGP Rajiv Singh clarified, “In view of recent reactions from different communities regarding the input on the infiltration of 900 trained Kuki militants from Myanmar to carry out attacks on Meiteis on September 28, it is clarified that the input was verified from various sources but could not be substantiated on the ground.”

This statement came after the government faced backlash from various tribal organisations and public representatives concerned about the panic caused by the initial claim. They assured citizens that security forces are on high alert to protect lives and property and urged the public not to believe in unverified information. 

N Geoffrey, Secretary to the Chief Minister, added, "Based on information regarding the movement of armed groups, this office shared intelligence inputs to enable the Police Department to develop the said information for actionable insights." He further emphasized that "the possibility of such misadventures by armed groups is remote," reassuring the public not to worry.

Tribal organisations issue advisories amid heightened tensions

In response to the potential for violence against Kuki-Zo tribals, various tribal organizations, including the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), have issued advisories calling for heightened vigilance among security forces. They have urged residents to refrain from traveling outside Kuki-Zo dominated areas from September 26 to 29 and announced a complete shutdown on September 28.

On September 24, the ITLF convened an emergency meeting and decided to close borders between Kuki-Zo and Meitei inhabited areas from September 26 to 29. Schools, institutions, and offices will also be closed from September 27 to 29. The tribal body stressed the necessity for all district security personnel, both state and central, to remain alert to prevent any external threats. "Additionally, we ask that all district security personnel, be it state or Central, remain extremely vigilant in order to thwart any external attacks,” stated the ITLF.

Concerns over government arms acquisition and potential attacks

The ITLF also raised concerns about the Manipur government's alleged acquisition of advanced MMG MK 2A1 weapons earlier in the month, indicating a possible attack plan against the Kuki-Zo community. They expressed unease, especially after previous assaults on the community that followed government announcements regarding the presence of Kuki militants in Jiribam. “The 900 armed men from Myanmar who are supposedly moving must be a ruse for attacking the Kuki-Zo community,” the statement added.

Another tribal organization, the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, issued an urgent advisory for all Kuki citizens, advocating for increased vigilance on September 28. They warned of credible intelligence suggesting that radicalized militant groups backed by rival communities might be planning violent attacks against the Kuki-Zo community, stemming from misinformation regarding the alleged presence of 900 Kuki militants in Manipur .

Government's initial claims and security measures

On September 20, Singh had originally claimed that security forces were taking the matter seriously, placing the Assam Rifles and Central Armed Police Force, including the Border Security Force, on high alert in districts bordering Myanmar. He had stated that potential attacks could occur "any day around September 28," which resulted in widespread concern among local populations.

Ongoing unrest in Manipur

The ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur , which erupted on May 3 last year, has claimed the lives of over 220 individuals from both the Kuki and Meitei communities. The situation remains tense as tribal organisations prepare for the upcoming dates of potential unrest.