IT News
Imphal, July 14:
Federation of Civil Society Organizations (FOCS) Manipur has announced that it may launch a movement to expel central security forces from the state if immediate action is not taken against the escalating violence by Kuki militants.
In a statement released by FOCS Manipur, the organization detailed a recent incident where Kuki militants reportedly set fire to the home of N. Sadananda Meitei, Advisor to the Jiri Development Organizations (JDO), on the evening of July 13, 2024, around 6:00 PM. The attack occurred near Leingangpokpi along NH-37, leading to widespread panic and destruction.
The statement further revealed that the attackers in Mongbung and Keijang areas used sophisticated weapons and bombs to target Meitei homes. This prompted the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Jiribam, along with security forces, to initiate a combing operation in the Lairembi Leikai (Kalinagar) area. However, FOCS Manipur criticized this response, claiming that the operations were being conducted in the wrong place and not for targeting the actual perpetrators.
“Despite the proximity of an Assam Rifles (AR) post just 100 meters from the affected area and the Jiribam District Headquarters being only 7-8 kilometers away, the Kuki militants managed to carry out their attack. This raises serious concerns about the security forces’ ability to protect the local population,” the statement added.
FOCS Manipur also raised suspicions about a possible coordinated effort between Indian security forces and Kuki militants to displace the Meiteis from Jiribam, citing intelligence reports that had already indicated a heightened threat.
“If this continues, we will launch movements to expel the central forces from Manipur,” FOCS warned. The statement also said that attacks continued in the Mongbung area till this morning.
