Key Developments:
- Protests intensify in Manipur after the killing of a senior police officer by militants in Tengnoupal district.
- A mob gathers near a Manipur Police office complex in Imphal, demanding arms and protection.
- To disperse the crowd, police personnel are compelled to fire several rounds into the air.
- Authorities respond by ordering the withdrawal of curfew relaxations in two districts.
- A tribal student body, Kuki Students Organisation (KSO), declares a 48-hour shutdown in response to the deployment of additional police commandos in Moreh town, Tengnoupal district.
Protests Over SDPO’s Murder: Tensions have escalated in Manipur following the murder of a sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) on October 31. SDPO Chingtham Anand was shot dead in a sniper attack while supervising the grounds’ clearing for a helipad construction project. The project was a joint initiative between the police and BSF. The heightened security measures came in the wake of his assassination.
Kuki Students Organisation (KSO): KSO called for a 48-hour shutdown in protest of the deployment of additional police commandos in Moreh town, situated in Tengnoupal district. The move was met with strong opposition, as KSO claimed that the police commandos were allegedly tormenting the town’s residents following the SDPO’s killing. KSO expressed discontent over the continued presence and deployment of Manipur police commandos in Moreh, despite Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s earlier assurance to withdraw state forces within three days during his visit to the border town.
Other Organizations Weigh In: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum, another organization representing the Kuki-Zo community, echoed similar allegations against the police commandos stationed in Moreh town.
Security Measures and Curfew Restrictions: The Manipur government responded by revoking the daily curfew relaxation from 5 am to 10 pm in Imphal East and West districts, citing an evolving law and order situation as the reason for immediate action.
Further Unrest in Tengnoupal: In a separate incident, armed militants ambushed a convoy of Manipur Police personnel near Sinam, along Imphal-Moreh NH-102 in Tengnoupal district. The attack resulted in at least three police officers sustaining gunshot wounds. These officers were part of the additional forces deployed to Moreh town to aid in operations following the assassination of Moreh SDPO Chingtham Anand by militants on the same day.
Root of the Crisis: The ongoing confrontations have their roots in various grievances held by both sides, but the central point of contention has been the attempt to grant Meiteis scheduled tribe status. This decision was subsequently revoked, alongside an endeavor to relocate tribals residing in protected forest areas.
Defence Minister’s Appeal: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh appealed to the feuding Meitei and Kuki communities, urging them to resolve their “trust deficit” through heartfelt conversations. He emphasized that violence is not a solution to any problem, stressing that the recent violence had not been perpetrated by any political party but had occurred due to specific circumstances. Singh’s appeal was made during an election rally at the southernmost tip of Mizoram, bordering Myanmar.
