Manipur is on high alert after intelligence reports revealed the infiltration of over 900 Kuki militants from Myanmar. These militants, reportedly organized in units of 30 members each, are currently scattered across the state’s periphery, posing a serious threat to the security of Manipur.
According to intelligence sources, these militants are trained in the use of advanced weaponry, including drone-based bombs, projectiles, and missiles, alongside specialized jungle warfare tactics. They are believed to be planning coordinated attacks on Meitei villages around September 28, 2024.
Confirming the gravity of the intelligence report, Kuldeep Singh, Security Advisor to Manipur, stated that it cannot be ignored. He emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “Unless and until it is proved wrong, we believe that it is 100% correct.” The absence of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) regarding drone use in Manipur adds another layer of concern. The SOP, which requires permission from authorities for the use of drones, has not been implemented in the state by security agencies.
The intelligence report was distributed to all Senior Superintendents of Police in the districts along the India-Myanmar border in southern Manipur on Thursday. This development comes amidst ongoing clashes between ethnic armed groups in Myanmar’s Chin State and other states battling the junta. The porous border between India and Myanmar has resulted in instances of violence spilling over into Indian territory, with some junta troops even infiltrating India after being overrun by Chin State rebels.
This escalating security threat in Manipur comes at a time of heightened tensions between the ethnic majority Meiteis and the Kuki communities. These communities have been engaged in violent clashes for over a year, fuelled by disputes over quotas and economic benefits. This volatile situation has unfortunately made large-scale illegal immigration possible.
The intelligence report highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures along the India-Myanmar border and a comprehensive strategy to address the ongoing ethnic tensions within Manipur. The recent recovery of a large cache of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the hilly regions of Imphal East district during a joint operation by the Indian Army and Manipur Police serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence. The situation in Manipur remains precarious, demanding immediate and decisive action from both the state and central governments to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
