Manipur on High Alert Amid Fears of Militant Influx

Manipur has been placed on high alert due to intelligence reports of 900 suspected Kuki militants from Myanmar. The Kuki community denies these claims and calls for the resignation of a senior security official. The state has seen ongoing violence between Meitei and Kuki communities, resulting in deaths and displacements.

India's northeastern state of Manipur is on high alert after intelligence reports indicated a potential influx of 900 suspected Kuki militants from Myanmar, a senior security official announced on Friday. The Kuki community's representative body denied these allegations and called for the official's resignation.

Kuldiep Singh, Manipur's security adviser, said information regarding the militants was shared with intelligence agencies. Since May 2023, Manipur has seen violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities over economic benefits and quotas. Border police have been alerted, and combing operations are ongoing, especially in Kuki tribe districts.

The Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) accused Singh of spreading false information and failing to protect their community. Militant activities allegedly involving drones have led to Meitei protests demanding action. Despite attempts to quell the violence, recent clashes resulted in 11 deaths, bringing the total to at least 237 deaths and over 60,000 displacements.

(With inputs from agencies.)