An official stated that both Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups are making intensified attempts to attack each other, particularly in response to recent incidents over the past week.
The Union government has deployed 20 additional paramilitary companies, amounting to nearly 2,500 personnel, to Manipur in response to escalating ethnic violence and rising threats against the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), sources revealed on Wednesday.
A government official stated that the Union Home Ministry approved the additional deployment due to the “challenging situation” in the state. “Of the 20 companies, 15 are from the CRPF and five from the BSF (Border Security Force). The violence is occurring in waves, and these forces will be stationed at sensitive locations,” the official said.
On Monday, militants abducted a displaced Meitei woman, her two daughters, and three grandchildren. These six individuals are among the 50,000 people displaced since ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities erupted last year.
In a post on X, Rajya Sabha member from Manipur, Sanajaoba Leishemba, appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday to step in and ensure their rescue.
Meanwhile, in Manipur’s Jiribam district near the Assam border, a member of the Meitei radical group Arambai Tenggol allegedly raped and murdered a Hmar tribal woman last Thursday.
On Monday, at least 10 armed militants were killed after attacking a CRPF post and a police station where displaced Meitei people had sought refuge. Hmar and Kuki groups claimed the deceased were armed village volunteers, a claim police have denied.
The official mentioned earlier noted that both Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups are making intense efforts to attack each other, especially following recent incidents. “Tensions are high on both sides. Some groups have even issued threats to the CRPF, urging locals to prevent them from leaving their camps. Reports and circulating photos of the abduction of six individuals have further intensified the situation. We are closely monitoring developments,” the official said.
Gunfights between Meitei and Kuki armed militants have been ongoing since Thursday. On Monday, militants launched attacks at multiple locations, using sophisticated weapons, including bombs. Security forces recovered homemade improvised rockets from the attack sites. No injuries have been reported.
The Kuki Students Organisation issued a statement on Tuesday urging tribal communities not to cooperate with the CRPF and to prevent paramilitary personnel from leaving their camps. “Any CRPF personnel found violating this notice shall do so at their own risk and responsibility,” the statement read.
Protests were also held on Tuesday in hill districts like Kangpokpi, calling for the removal of CRPF from the state. Top security officials convened the same day to discuss the law and order situation. “All forces have been instructed to prevent violence and exercise restraint with both groups. However, if forces come under attack, they have been directed to respond appropriately,” said a second official.
