New Delhi: Five days after he spoke of intelligence inputs suggesting infiltration of “more than 900 Kuki militants” into the state from bordering Myanmar, Manipur Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh has clarified that the inputs “could not be substantiated on the ground”.
“In view of the recent reactions from different communities regarding input of 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 different quarters, but it could not be substantiated on the ground,” read a statement issued Wednesday and signed by both Kuldiep Singh and Manipur Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Singh.
It further stated that there is no basis at present to believe any such inputs.
The statement, however, did go on to state that security forces deployed on the ground are on high alert to safeguard lives and livelihoods. “All communities are assured of their safety. They are advised not to believe in any rumours or unverified information,” it read.
The Manipur Chief Minister’s Office also wrote to the security adviser and DGP that the possibility of any such “misadventure by armed groups is remote”.
“Based on information gathered on movement of armed groups, this office had shared intelligence inputs vide UO note bearing no. 1/25/2024-CM dated 16.09.2024 to enable Police Department to use its machinery and network to develop the said information so as to determine actionability. It is now ascertained that possibility of any such misadventure by armed groups is remote. The public need not worry further in this regard,” the letter read.
Addressing a press conference on 20 September, the Manipur Security Adviser had said that the Biren Singh-led BJP government in the state was aware of intelligence inputs suggesting the entry of “900 Kuki militants” on 28 September and “unless it is proven wrong it is 100 percent correct”.
The said inputs were first shared last week with the DGP and Kuldiep Singh by the office of the chief minister.
Speaking to ThePrint, a source in the security establishment said Kuldiep Singh stressed that the input cannot be taken lightly since it came from a credible source—the CMO; and that Singh never said it is a fact, or true.
Adding, “He said there is an input and it is true unless proven wrong. It had to be checked. Now, after checking they issued a statement saying it is not correct. All intel inputs have to be checked from the ground. None of it can be taken lightly, especially in a place like Manipur which is so volatile.”
The source also said that Singh called a press conference on 20 September because the said inputs led to a scare among the Meitei community, and the security adviser wanted to send out a message that there is no reason to panic and that security forces are at work.
Following the press conference last week, the Kuki Inpi Manipur, apex body of the Kuki community, had in a statement refuted claims of mass infiltration from Myanmar, and alleged the intelligence input was baseless and part of a larger narrative. It said the claim was intended to justify aggression against the Kuki-Zo tribes. The body also called for a complete shutdown in areas in Manipur where Kukis are dominant.
Following this, the Army Sunday put out a social media post, stating that “these inputs have very serious security implications” and “asked (the security adviser) for details to be shared for necessary action”. Although the post was later deleted, it raised questions about lack of coordination between the security adviser and the Army.
More than 250 people have been killed in ethnic violence between the tribal Kuki-Zo and the Meiteis since 3 May last year. The conflict has also displaced more than 50,000 people.
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)
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