New Delhi: Tensions in Manipur have escalated further with the use of “high-tech drones” as the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities stretches into its 16th month. This has prompted Delhi-based Meitei organisations to renew their demand for the termination of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki insurgent groups.
On Monday, during a press conference—jointly organised by the Delhi Manipuri Society, Meitei Heritage Society and Ningol United Progressive Initiative (NUPI)—at the Press Club of India in Delhi, they condemned the drone attacks, calling them “foreign-backed aerial bombings”.
The press meet was led by author-researcher Dr Malem Ningthouja, along with NUPI spokesperson Col. Kishore Chand (Retd), Meitei Heritage Society spokesperson Col. Shanti Kumar Sapam (Retd), Ashang Kasar, president of the Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur, and Dr Amlan Dutt, a researcher, expert and former Observer Research Foundation fellow.
Violence returned to Manipur over a week ago after nearly four months of relative pause. Suspected Kuki militants attacked villagers in Koutruk, Imphal West district, using guns and drones, according to Manipur Police. The assault left at least two civilians dead and several others injured. A fresh wave of violence has gripped the region, leaving 11 people dead in a series of incidents since 1 September.
Comparing the situation in Manipur to that in Bangladesh, Col. Sapam (Retd) said, “We all know what happened in Bangladesh. It was over within one or two days. It started with a similar situation involving the quota system, and eventually escalated to the killing of Hindus. The same kind of spark has ignited in Manipur, and it has now led to drone and RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) attacks. This is a matter of serious concern.”
He also said that Chief Minister Biren Singh took action on three subjects—“war on drugs”, “stop the illegal immigrants”, and “stop the improvement of forests and villages”—and that turned out to be the “spark of this crime”.
“These initiatives were launched, and just before 3 May, 2023, tensions were brewing—tensions rooted in the past. That is what ignited the current crisis,” Sapam said.
The speakers also called for the “immediate replacement of the controversial Assam Rifles with a neutral security force”, which is “acceptable to the people and free from any allegations of partisan politics”.
They even echoed concerns that the recent drone attacks were orchestrated by “foreign elements” with ties to countries like the US, China and Myanmar.
“India’s friendliness and leniency towards its eastern neighbours have been exploited by foreign enemies, who, over the decades, have facilitated the infiltration of illegal immigrants onto Indian soil. These individuals were submissive to the rule of law when they were weak, but once they gained strength, they began directly threatening India’s integrity, territory, sovereignty and the rule of law,” said Dr Malem Ningthouja.
When asked if the Meitei organisations are also calling for the removal of the chief minister given the current situation in Manipur, the panel declined to comment on the political leadership, stating that they would not weigh in on who should govern the state.
Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki community, has refuted claims of the use of drone bombs in a statement, and alleged that it was an attempt to “ambush Kuki-Zo civilians along the Kanggui-Lamka road” that led to heavy exchange of fire “between the combined forces of Arambai Tenggol, Valley-Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs), Meitei state forces, and Kuki-Zo volunteers” in Kangchup region near Koutruk village.
(Edited by Mannat Chugh)
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