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The situation in Manipur continues to worsen as violence escalates, prompting Chief Minister N Biren Singh to call an emergency cabinet meeting on Saturday. This follows a week of renewed unrest, with the latest incident involving a gun battle between groups from different communities in the Jiribam district, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals. Security sources reported several injuries, with the possibility of the casualty count rising.
Further escalating the situation, suspected militants launched rocket attacks at the residence of Manipur's first chief minister, Mairembam Koireng, on Friday, killing one person and injuring six others. In response, security forces destroyed three bunkers in the neighboring Churachandpur district and conducted aerial patrols using a military helicopter.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has declared an indefinite public emergency, citing escalating Kuki aggression in the region. COCOMI spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba described the recent events as a significant increase in Kuki aggression, highlighting drone bombing incidents in Imphal West and missile attacks targeting the home of the former chief minister.
Athouba expressed concern over the long-range missile attacks, which he attributed to Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups operating in the surrounding hilly areas. He criticized the vulnerability of central forces deployed in the foothill areas, accusing them of failing to prevent Kuki aggression.
Amidst the growing tensions, residents in the outskirts of Manipur's Bishnupur and Imphal East districts switched off lights on Friday after multiple drone sightings were reported. Security forces have been placed on high alert in the peripheral areas to monitor the movement of large groups.
The use of drones as weapons has become a disturbing trend in Manipur, with the first reported incident occurring on September 1 in Koutruk village, Imphal West district. The attack resulted in two deaths and nine injuries. The following day, another drone attack in Senjam Chirang, injuring three individuals, further demonstrated the escalating threat posed by militants.
The emergency cabinet meeting called by the Chief Minister highlights the urgency of addressing the deteriorating situation in Manipur. The escalating violence, coupled with the increasing use of drones as weapons, poses a serious challenge to security forces and necessitates immediate and decisive action to restore peace and order in the state.
Source: Manipur CM Biren Singh calls emergency cabinet meet amid recent surge in violence