New Delhi: As Manipur’s Moreh town continues to be engulfed in turmoil, a gunfight between militant groups and security forces on Wednesday (January 17) claimed the lives of one Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) jawan and one Manipur Rifles jawan.
A top source within the Manipur government has officially confirmed to The Wire the involvement of militants from both the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Today marked one of the darkest days in Moreh, which has seen continued gunfights since December 30.
Militant groups have set ablaze numerous houses and schools in the area, leading to a loss of faith among the affected communities in both Union and state forces.
Photo: Special arrangement.
Allegations have surfaced regarding the potential involvement of individuals from Myanmar in the ongoing unrest.
The Meitei community claims that militants from Myanmar are supporting the Kukis, with whom they share ethnic ties.
Conversely, the Kuki community accuses the Meitei insurgent groups United National Liberation Front, People’s Liberation Army of Manipur, People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun of involvement in the unrest.
“Militants are on both sides, whether Kuki or Meitei,” stated a top source in the Manipur government.
They continued: “The situation is tense every day; today it is Moreh, tomorrow it could be any other area of Manipur – we are trying to apprehend those militants, but we have failed so far.”
Five officers and two civilians have been reported injured in Moreh today.
The Committee on Tribal Unity, an influential tribal group based in Manipur, told The Wire, “The state forces tried to open a permanent duty post in Moreh in an open space, apart from their post in the Assam Rifles headquarters. The womenfolk oppose the move and are being assaulted by state forces since yesterday.
“Today, a woman was overrun by security vehicles … during their [the security forces’] attempt to disperse the womenfolk who were opposing them.”
Photo: Special arrangement.
Furthermore, videos were also circulating on social media depicting a truck from the Assam Rifles being stopped in Moreh by Kuki groups with weapons issuing warnings.
A spokesperson for the Assam Rifles confirmed the authenticity of the video and stated that the force is working to maintain law and order neutrally.
Several videos also show the Manipur Police, accompanied by the vigilante women’s organisation Meira Paibis, heading towards Moreh town.
Protests in Moreh continued when on January 15, the Manipur Police arrested two individuals, Philip Khaikholal Khongsai and Hemkholal Mate, on suspicion of firing upon security vehicles.
The arrests have triggered protests from the Kuki community, who demand the release of the two individuals.
The Wire has compiled a list of confirmed places belonging to the Kuki community which were set on fire in Moreh, including schools, a place named the ADC Chairman Inn, a hotel and a church.
Photo: Special arrangement.
Locals confirmed that at least 12 houses belonging to various individuals and entities have been burnt down in the Moreh area.
The Manipur violence has completed 260 days and more than 200 lives have been lost.
Correction: One IRB jawan was killed in the gunfight, not two IRB jawans. This article was updated at 3:15 pm on January 19 to reflect this correction.
