Christian Kuki militants attack the Police in Manipur: 8 personnel injured

4 individuals killed and several injured in the last 3 days

Imphal (Manipur) – The conflict between Hindu Meiteis and Christian Kuki militants had calmed down for a while; however, in the last 3 days, violence has flared up again in the State of Manipur. On the evening of 1 ^st January, 4 individuals were shot down in the Lengol Hill area of Thoubal. 11 were injured in this attack.

1 ^st January 2024: Administrative officials reported that the attackers had come to the Lilong Chingjao area for extortion when the gun-firing broke out. The identity of the assailants remains unclear according to some media, while others suggest that the victims belonged to the Pangal Muslim community. According to the ‘Meitei Heritage Society,’ the incident did not stem from religious discord.

31 ^st December 2023: In Moreh, Christian Kuki militants attacked the Manipur Police, injuring several civilians in the retaliation. That same day, there were reports of gunfire between Meiteis and Kukis in the Kautruk and Kangbal areas.

30 ^th December 2023: On the night of 30 ^th December, 4 Manipur Police personnel were injured in an attack by Kuki militants in Moreh. Grenades were used in this attack. Earlier that afternoon in Tengnoupal, Kuki militants attacked a Police vehicle, seriously injuring 4 personnel. In Ward No. 9 of Moreh at Chikim Veng, Kuki militants fired upon commando Police and hurled bombs.

An attack by Christian #KukiTerrorists injures 8 police personnel in #Manipur !

Fresh violence has already killed 4 and injured several others in the past 3 days

👉 Considering the rise of Christian militancy in the region and the support they receive from #Myanmar, it is… pic.twitter.com/XHBYOkoVxS

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) January 2, 2024

Movement restriction imposed again in the capital Imphal and 5 other Districts

To curb the violence, the Government has again imposed movement restrictions in East Imphal, West Imphal, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur Districts. Chief Minister Biren Singh condemned the violence in a video message and appealed for peace. Since 3 ^rd May 3 2023, violence has been ongoing in the State with ethnic clashes, resulting in over 180 deaths and an estimated 60,000 people being displaced.

Editorial Perspective

Considering the support received by Christian Kuki militants from Myanmar, their complete eradication is necessary. It is imperative that the Indian Army and Manipur Police undertake an operation like ‘Operation All Out’ in Kashmir.