The Manipur Chief Minister’s Office on Wednesday issued an unofficial note, declaring that the possibility of an attack by 900 well-trained Kuki militants who reportedly arrived from Myanmar is now remote, announcing that the public need not worry further.
It is now ascertained that possibility of any such misadventure by armed groups is remote, said the note signed by secretary to chief minister Ningthoujam Geoffrey.
Based on information gathered on movement of armed groups, his office had shared intelligence inputs vide UO note bearing no. 1/25/2024-CM dated September 16, 2024 to enable the Police Department to use its machinery and network to develop the said information so as to determine actionability, it stated.
It requested the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) to issue necessary communication to reassure the public in this regard.
The note is copied to the chief secretary, security advisor and the DGP.
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Meanwhile, security advisor Kuldiep Singh and DGP Rajiv Singh issued a clarification, stating that the input on the infiltration of 900 trained Kuki militants from Myanmar to carry out attacks on Meiteis on September 28 was verified from different quarters, but it could not be substantiated on ground.
The clarification is issued in view of the recent reactions from different communities regarding the intel, it stated.
“There is no basis currently to believe in any such input. However, security forces deployed on the ground are placed on a high alert to protect the lives and properties of citizens. All communities are assured of their safety. They are advised not to believe in any rumors or unverified information,” it added.
The alert issued earlier on the possible attacks by over 900 Kuki militants from Myanmar around September 28 went viral on social media. The alert issued from the chief minister’s office directed the Director General of Police (DGP), Manipur to take all necessary measures. It was also copied to the chief secretary, the security advisor, and the Commissioner (Home) of Manipur.
It mentioned that over 900 Kuki militants, newly trained in the use of drone-based bombs, projectiles, missiles, and jungle warfare, have entered Manipur from Myanmar. It stated that these militants are reportedly grouped in units of 30 members each, scattered across the periphery, and are expected to launch multiple coordinated attacks on Meitei villages around September 28.
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The viral message sparked fear and uncertainty among the public, while the state Congress party demanded a clarification.
However, the authenticity of the alert could not be ascertained until another message was later issued on September 19 from senior SP Thoubal to additional SP Thoubal, OC Thoubal Police and other officials came to light.
On the following day, Kuldiep Singh called a press conference, announcing that intelligence reports were indeed shared with security chiefs regarding the infiltration of over 900 trained armed militants from Myanmar into Indian territory in Manipur, while combined forces of state and central security were alerted in strategic areas, including border regions.
He said that a Strategic Operation Group (SOG) meeting was conducted on September 18, chaired by him, to discuss the deployment of security forces in key areas of Manipur.
The meeting was attended by the chief of Assam Rifles (IGAR-South, IGAR-East), GOC 57 Mountain Division, chief of BSF, DGP Manipur, Home Commissioner, DG of CRPF Manipur, and other senior security officers, he mentioned.
Kuldiep said that security forces have been put on alert in various districts, including Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Tengnoupal, Chandel, and Kamjong.
In response, the Kuki Inpi Manipur alleged Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh of issuing fabricated inputs about the infiltration of 900 Kuki militants in Manipur.
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A release issued by secretary, information and publicity Janghaolun Haokip stated that such baseless allegations are not only unfounded but also reflect a grievous act of misinformation designed to target the Kuki-Zo community,
Earlier, a similar confidential official letter from the Chief Minister’s office, signed by the secretary to the chief minister N Geoffrey, also went viral on social media. The letter directed the DGP, Manipur, to take precautionary measures, stating that about 200 armed Kuki-Zo militants had moved from Churachandpur and reached Phaitol village, Old and New Keiphundai areas of Tamenglong, bordering Jiribam district.
The official letter was sent to the DGP, Manipur on January 15. After some months, violence erupted in Jiribam district after a 59-year-old man was killed on June 7 by Kuki militants.
