NEW DELHI: A fresh wave of violence in Manipur, a state in northeast India, has resulted in the deaths of approximately 40 suspected militants and two police officers, according to an official who spoke to AFP on Sunday. The state’s chief minister, N. Biren Singh, also confirmed the casualties to local media.
Manipur has been on edge following a surge of inter-ethnic violence earlier this month, which claimed the lives of at least 70 people and displaced tens of thousands. The unnamed state government official stated that security forces had killed around 40 “militants” over the past two days, as mentioned by Chief Minister Singh.
Singh addressed reporters, expressing concern over the militants’ use of M-16 and AK-47 assault rifles, as well as sniper guns, against civilians. He stated that the militants had targeted numerous villages, setting homes on fire. Singh further noted that strong action was being taken against them with the assistance of the army and other security forces. Reports indicated that around 40 terrorists had been shot dead, he said.
Rise in Unrest in Manipur State of India
A military source confirmed a rise in unrest and revealed that four individuals had been killed in the past 24 hours. The source mentioned that three armed individuals who attempted to set fire to empty houses fired at security forces when they intervened, resulting in their deaths. Additionally, another armed individual was killed in Moreh, while two security personnel and one more person were injured.
The northeastern states of India, situated between Bangladesh, China, and Myanmar, have long experienced tensions among various ethnic groups. The recent violence in Manipur was primarily between the majority of Meitei, who are predominantly Hindus residing in and around the state capital Imphal, and the predominantly Christian Kuki tribe in the surrounding hills.
The conflict originated from Kuki’s resentment toward the Meitei being granted guaranteed quotas of government jobs and other privileges as part of affirmative action measures. This also intensified existing fears among the Kuki community that the Meitei might gain permission to acquire land in areas currently reserved for them and other tribal groups.
To restore order, thousands of troops were deployed, and approximately 30,000 people sought refuge in temporary army-operated camps for the displaced. Mobile internet services have been suspended for weeks.
