Tension escalated in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Sunday after an exchange of gunfire broke out between security forces and unidentified militants during a search operation, even as the Commission for Tribal Unity (CoTU) announced an indefinite blockade on the two major national highways in the state, alleging bias in security operations in the Limakhong-Kangshup district.
Police said the gun battle broke out at 7.20am when security forces went to Lilon Fife to conduct a search. An officer said, “It has not yet been confirmed which armed groups were involved in the incident. There were no reports of casualties during the shooting.”
Meanwhile, the CoTU, the Kuki-Zo body, issued a statement on Sunday announcing that the unlimited blockade of the Imphal-Dimapur Expressway (NH-2) and the Imphal-Silchar Expressway via Jiribam (NH-37) will come into effect from 4 pm on Sunday until further notice.
The statement said, “The primary responsibility of the security forces and the government is to protect every citizen without discrimination. Any action or inaction that creates the impression of bias will only exacerbate the prevailing crisis and undermine public confidence in the institutions charged with maintaining peace and security.”
“In view of the deteriorating security situation and the continuing threat faced by innocent civilians, CoTU calls on the Government of India, especially the Ministry of Home Affairs, to immediately intervene and ensure impartial and professional conduct of all security operations, provide adequate protection to vulnerable villages and civilian populations, conduct an independent investigation into the killing of the three priests and twelve innocent villagers, and take immediate measures to prevent further attacks, arson and displacement and hold accountable for any lapses or acts of bias in the performance of security duties,” the statement added.
The CoTU urged the central government to act decisively, impartially and without delay to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
Ethnic clashes in Manipur first began between the Meitei and Kuki communities before encompassing almost all communities. The state’s Meite and Kuki Zou communities have remained largely isolated in their-dominated areas since ethnic clashes began in May 2023, killing at least 260 people and displacing 60,000 people.
The Metis people, most of whom are Hindu, live largely in the Imphal Valley. The Kuki family, most of whom are Christians, reside in the hills. The state government confirmed that there are no buffer zones dividing communities in the state, but it has identified some sensitive areas.
In February, a new government was formed, almost a year after “presidential rule” was imposed. It includes representatives of the three main communities as part of an attempt to maintain ethnic balance.
