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The escalating violence in Manipur has reached a critical point, prompting Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh to call an emergency cabinet meeting on Saturday. This follows a week of renewed violence, culminating in the tragic loss of life and escalating tensions between communities. The recent violence underscores the volatile and fragile situation in the state, demanding urgent action from authorities to restore peace and security.
The situation in Jiribam district paints a particularly grim picture, where a gun battle between groups belonging to two communities resulted in the death of at least five people. Several others were injured in the clash, and the casualty count is likely to rise. This incident highlights the deep-rooted divisions and mistrust that continue to fuel the violence in Manipur.
Further escalating the situation, suspected militants launched rocket attacks on the residence of Manipur's first chief minister, Mairembam Koireng. This attack, which resulted in one fatality and six injuries, was met with decisive action from security forces. 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) declared an indefinite public emergency, citing increased Kuki aggression. COCOMI spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba condemned the attacks and expressed deep concern about the escalating violence. He highlighted incidents of drone bombing in Imphal West, which have caused significant casualties and injuries, as well as the recent missile attacks. Athouba stressed that the violence has reached a critical point, with the Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups operating with impunity in the surrounding hilly areas.
Authorities are taking steps to address the security concerns and quell the violence. The inspector general of police intelligence, K Kabib, briefed the media about the ongoing security measures. He reported the recovery of sophisticated arms, ammunition, explosives, and a wireless set, indicating a concerted effort to disrupt militant activities. Furthermore, he announced the installation of anti-drone systems and the deployment of an army chopper to monitor suspicious activities. Kabib also emphasized the importance of addressing misinformation and instigation on social media, with a dedicated social media monitoring cell being activated to identify and counter individuals seeking to exploit the situation.
The security forces are conducting intensified combing operations in both the hill and valley areas, focusing on the source of long-range rockets and drones. These operations aim to neutralize the threat posed by militants and restore order in the affected areas. The deployment of security forces and the implementation of security measures, while necessary, are only a partial solution. A more comprehensive approach is needed to address the underlying factors fueling the conflict, including historical grievances, land disputes, and the lack of trust between communities.
The recent incidents involving drones have brought a new dimension to the violence in Manipur. The use of drones for attacks highlights the evolving tactics employed by militants and underscores the need for enhanced countermeasures. The incidents have also raised concerns about the availability of these technologies and the potential for their misuse. The situation in Manipur requires a collaborative approach involving the central and state governments, security agencies, and civil society organizations. Addressing the root causes of the violence, promoting dialogue and reconciliation, and ensuring the safety and security of all communities are crucial steps in restoring peace and stability to the state.
Source: Manipur CM Biren Singh calls emergency cabinet meet amid recent surge in violence: Top developments