Manipur sees fresh violence a day after PM Modi’s visit

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur, tensions flared in the state’s Churachandpur district late on September 14. Residences of several Kuki-Zo leaders were targeted by unidentified miscreants.

The residence of an office-bearer of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) was set ablaze. The miscreants also attacked residences of other tribal leaders, but were prevented from doing so by their supporters.

According to sources, the violence reportedly erupted in a protest against the arrest of two individuals accused of vandalism and damaging government property, including decorations done for commemorating Modi’s visit, on the night of September 12.

Sources told The Tribune that the authorities were on high alert in Churachandpur as security forces continue to monitor the situation to prevent further escalation.

Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), on Monday cautioned that as the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities had not been settled, no one from either side should cross the buffer zones under any circumstances.

The Kuki-Zo Council further warned of serious consequences if buffer zones were crossed. One of the key Kuki groups, it was also a part of the delegation that signed the peace pact with the Centre and the Manipur Government, earlier this month.

Referring to the September 4 tripartite agreement between the Centre, Manipur Government and the Kuki-Zo groups, the KZC clarified that it had not declared the reopening of NH-2, as it was a prerogative of the Centre.

“No free movement has been permitted on this route. We had only requested the Kangpokpi people to extend cooperation to the security forces, as directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, while maintaining the safety of commuters along NH-2. As there is still no settlement between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, no one from either side should cross the buffer zone,” said the notice.

“The KZC strongly condemns any attempt to twist or misrepresent our statement. Such deliberate distortion creates unnecessary confusion and mistrust at a sensitive time. We urge the Meitei public to take note of the above facts and act with utmost responsibility,” it added.