Kuki Militants Escalate Violence in Manipur: Drone Attacks, Rocket Launches, and Rising Tensions
In a series of alarming developments, the northeastern state of Manipur has witnessed a sharp escalation in violence, allegedly initiated by Kuki militants. Recent attacks, including rocket launches, drone sightings, and brutal murders, have left at least seven people dead. The situation has led to heightened security measures and emergency meetings among state officials.
A wave of Attacks and Murders by Kuki Militants
On September 6 and 7, Manipur saw multiple attacks reportedly carried out by Kuki militants. One of the most brutal incidents was the murder of an elderly Meitei man in his sleep.
On 7th September, 2024,
Xtan Kuki Terrorists keeled yet another Hindu #Meitei Kulabi Singh while he was sleeping!
Incident from #Jiribam , Manipur
Has this govt given free run to xtans to carry out hindu genocide in #Manipur?
Is that why Assam Rifles is behaving with such… pic.twitter.com/Oba8OkZYsm
— Ritu #सत्यसाधक (@RituRathaur) September 8, 2024
Reports suggest Kuki militants are targeting Meitei communities, and tensions between the two groups have resulted in several deaths. Four people were reportedly killed in an exchange of fire between the two communities in Jiribam.
In Bishnupur district, rocket attacks destroyed buildings and killed one person while injuring five others, including a 13-year-old girl. The militants launched rockets at 4:30 AM on September 6, targeting Tronglaobi and the residence of former Chief Minister Mairemban Koireng in Moirang town. Alongside these attacks, bomb blasts have caused further injuries.
What's going on in #Manipur
A missile attack on #Manipur 's former CM Koireng's Home in Moirang by #KukiMilitant !
The strike resulted in the death of an innocent #Meitei civilian injuring several others.
This #KukiMilitant violence against civilians must end! pic.twitter.com/eVQUYCDZew
— Abiema Lisham (@AbiemaLisham) September 6, 2024
Drone Attacks and Rocket Attacks By Kuki Militants Cause Panic Among Civilians
The escalation took a new turn when militants reportedly used drones to target civilians. This prompted the Manipur police to deploy anti-drone systems, including anti-drone guns, to safeguard the region.
For the first time, Long-range Rocket and Armed Drone attacks reported in Manipur by Kuki militants.
Alarm bell rings. Foreign hand suspected to destabilize Manipur & Nagaland!
CM Biren calls it act of Terrorism, help from NSG asked. Schools closed. When will centre respond? pic.twitter.com/ucYgwhVYqv
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) September 7, 2024
Drones were sighted in multiple districts, including Bishnupur and Imphal East, causing panic among residents. Officials advised the public to switch off lights at night as a precautionary measure.
Security Forces Take Action
In response to the attacks, additional security forces and police teams were deployed to conduct combing operations in the hill ranges of Manipur. Military helicopters were also dispatched for aerial surveillance.
Also Read: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Urges Armed Forces to Prepare for Unexpected Threats
The Manipur police recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition, seizing sophisticated weapons, explosives, and grenades. This discovery further underscored the gravity of the situation, as militants continue to stockpile weapons.
Somewhere in the jungles of Manipur.
Hindu Meities are being targeted by these Kuki terrorists.
Save Hindus of Manipur. pic.twitter.com/o6dN9qcocm
— Kashmiri Hindu (@BattaKashmiri) September 7, 2024
However, there have been allegations that the central forces are showing partiality in the conflict.
COCOMI Issues Ultimatum to Armed Forces
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has issued a stern ultimatum to the armed forces, demanding a resolution to the conflict within five days. COCOMI expressed frustration over the handling of the violence and accused the Assam Rifles of complicity in the unrest.
They warned that the people of Manipur might take drastic measures if the armed forces fail to act decisively against Kuki militant groups.
In a significant security operation, Manipur police destroyed three militant bunkers in Churachandpur district. The militants attempted to loot arms from Manipur Rifles in two separate locations but were repelled by combined security forces.
These confrontations underline the volatile nature of the situation in the state.
Media Hypocrisy of Kuki in Reporting on the Conflict
One of the glaring issues in the ongoing Manipur crisis is the biased portrayal in the media. While Kuki militants openly state their violent agenda against Meitei communities, including land-grabbing ambitions, the media often paints them as victims. This selective reporting misrepresents the true nature of the conflict, where the Meitei population faces severe threats from well-armed Kuki militants.
Kuki militants openly state their agenda in Manipur – they will keep attacking and they will grab the land from the Meiteis, while the media and liberals project them as victims. pic.twitter.com/8gyaDRar3O
— Pagan 🚩 (@paganhindu) August 1, 2024
Foreign Influence in Kuki
Adding to the complexity of the situation, there have been reports of foreign involvement in funding Kuki militant groups. Allegedly, Christian missionaries are funneling resources to these groups, aligning with broader geopolitical interests.
This aligns with claims made by former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who suggested that the U.S. has expressed interest in creating a Christian state in the region. Although these reports are not confirmed, they raise concerns about foreign interference in the ongoing conflict.