Manipur on High Alert: Potential Influx of Kuki Militants from Myanmar

Manipur, a northeastern state in India, is on high alert due to potential influx of 900 suspected Kuki militants from Myanmar. Violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has intensified since May 2023, driven by economic disputes. Recent intelligence reported attacks involving explosives, prompting stricter border vigilance.

Manipur, a northeastern state in India, has been placed on high alert following intelligence reports of a possible influx of 900 suspected Kuki militants from Myanmar, a senior security official disclosed on Friday.

Kuldiep Singh, Manipur's security adviser, revealed the information at a press briefing, stating, 'The border police have been alerted, and combing operations are underway.' The state has been embroiled in violence between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki community since May 2023, driven by economic disputes.

Recent intelligence suggests attacks involving drone-delivered explosives, allegedly carried out by Kuki militants, although Kuki representatives deny these claims. In response, Meitei protesters have held massive gatherings demanding action. Despite efforts to quell the unrest, sporadic clashes continue, resulting in 11 deaths earlier this month, bringing the death toll to at least 237 and displacing over 60,000 people. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attributes the violence to an influx of refugees following Myanmar's 2021 military coup.

(With inputs from agencies.)