The United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF) on October 3 warned Manipur Police, saying it will not remain a “mute spectator” following a recent police raid in Chandel district.
The UKLF, operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, condemned the late-night operation, reportedly led by Chandel SP Dharmendra Kumar, at the residence of one of its leaders in the Sajik Tampak area on Wednesday. The outfit described the raid as a “serious act” and stated it would not tolerate such actions in the future. The UKLF emphasised that it has been following SoO ground rules while working toward a political solution for the Kuki-Zo community.
Manipur Police, however, said the operation targeted a suspected drug kingpin. “Acting on credible intelligence, Chandel District Police conducted an operation in T Kotlen village in Sajik Tampak to apprehend a suspected drug kingpin. The person, however, escaped,” a police spokesperson said.
The police team reportedly faced an attack by a mob while returning from the operation. The situation was later defused peacefully through dialogue with local leaders, with assistance from Assam Rifles and other Central Armed Police Forces, allowing the police to return safely.
Authorities stressed that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to enforce law and order and curb criminal activities in the district.