Manipur govt retracts '900 Kuki militants planning attack' claim

Days after claiming that 900 Kuki militants were planning to attack peripheral villages of Imphal valley districts around September 28, the Manipur government retracted its statement asserting that the likelihood of "any such misadventures by armed groups is minimal and unsubstantiated".

IMAGE: Indian Army recovers a significant quantities of arms, ammunition and other war-like stores during the joint operation along with Manipur Police, CRPF and BSF, in Churachandpur on September 12, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

In a joint statement, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and DGP Rajiv Singh on Wednesday said, "In view of recent reactions from different communities regarding the input on the infiltration of 900 trained Kuki militants from Myanmar to carry out attacks on Meiteis on September 28, it is clarified that the input was verified from various sources but could not be substantiated on the ground. There is no current basis to believe in any such input."

The statement assured that "security forces are on high alert to protect the lives and property of citizens. All communities are assured of their safety," and advised the public to "not believe in any rumors or unverified news."

On September 20 the security advisor had said security forces have taken a number of steps in the wake of reports that militants might carry out violence in peripheral villages. He had said reports of movement of these militants have been circulating for the past three to four days.

N Geoffrey, Secretary to the Chief Minister, stated, "Based on information regarding the movement of armed groups, this office shared intelligence inputs to enable the Police Department to develop the said information for actionable insights."

"It is now ascertained that the possibility of such misadventures by armed groups is remote. The public need not worry in this regard," he added.

Earlier on Wednesday, Manipur Congress MLA Th Lokeshwar expressed concern over Singh's claim that 900 Kuki militants had entered the state, which he argued had caused panic in the outlying villages of the Imphal valley. He demanded clarity on the assertion.

Lokeshwar stated, "Singh's claim has created unrest in peripheral areas. He should clarify the grounds for his assertions and outline what measures are in place to counter the militants' entry. Villagers should not be left to live in fear."

On Septermber 20 Friday, the security advisor had indicated that security forces were on high alert following reports that the militants had entered the state to target peripheral villages, with potential attacks expected around September 28. He mentioned that planned attacks could occur "any day around September 28" and confirmed that intelligence has been shared among various security agencies, with proactive measures being communicated to remote areas to prevent any militant preparations.

Singh noted that the hill districts of Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Ukhrul, Kamjong, and Pherzawl have been placed on high alert.