The Manipur government has recently addressed serious concerns from various communities regarding the alleged infiltration of 900 trained Kuki militants from Myanmar. This situation has raised alarms, particularly as reports suggested these militants were planning an attack on Meitei communities on September 28.
In a press release by Kuldeep Singh, the Adviser on Security, and Rajiv Singh, the Director General of Police in Manipur, the government stated that while they received information about this alleged intrusion, they had not verified it or found any concrete evidence to support these claims. The statement emphasized that “there is no basis to believe any such input at present,” and reassured citizens that security forces are on high alert to protect everyone’s safety. The government urged people not to spread rumors or unverified information that could heighten tensions in the region.
In response to these allegations, the Kuki-Zo tribal organization announced a mass rally and a two-day bandh (shutdown) to protest what they consider false intelligence reports. The rally is scheduled for September 26, followed by the bandh on September 27 and 28 in the Sadar Hills area. This decision was made during a meeting of civil society organizations at the Committee for Tribal Unity (CoTU) office in Kangpokpi Town. The Kuki-Zo community believes that these intelligence reports are part of a campaign to tarnish their image and escalate tensions in Manipur.
CoTU General Secretary Laminlun Singsit stated, “The rally and subsequent shutdown is a direct response to these baseless allegations made by the state government.” The protest aims to highlight their unity against what they perceive as misinformation targeting the Kuki-Zo people. The community is also calling for intervention from the central government regarding these alleged false intelligence reports.
The Kuki-Zo community has expressed their demands for a separate administration under Article 239(A) of the Indian Constitution, which they believe would help address their grievances and ongoing issues. They argue that their safety and rights have been compromised amid rising tensions with other ethnic groups in Manipur.
This situation reflects ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, particularly between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, which have escalated since violence erupted earlier this year. The protests by the Kuki-Zo community signal their determination to stand against perceived oppression and misinformation while seeking justice and recognition of their rights within the state.