Manipur Launches Crackdown on Militants Following Gruesome Killings

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced a major operation against militants across the state, vowing to bring perpetrators of recent violence to justice. The decision comes after the brutal killings of six women and children from the Meitei community, sparking outrage and escalating tensions in the region.

The operation, already underway in Jiribam, the epicenter of the recent violence, will extend to other areas where illegal armed militants are present. The Chief Minister emphasized that the operation will not be limited to Kuki-dominated areas but will target all individuals possessing illegal arms.

"Operations against militants started in Jiribam. However, it will take place in the entire state wherever there are illegal armed militants," Singh stated.

The state government has also requested additional forces from the Centre to bolster security and reassure the public. By month's end, Manipur will have 288 companies of Central forces deployed.

The recent killings have cast a dark shadow over Manipur, which has been grappling with ethnic violence since last year. The victims, including toddlers, were residing in a relief camp after losing their homes in the Kuki-Meitei clashes that erupted in May 2022.

The fresh wave of violence began on November 11th when Kuki militants attacked a police station near the Assam border, killing two senior citizens from the Meitei community. Another group kidnapped the women and children, whose bodies were later found floating in a river.

Autopsies revealed that three victims were shot, while the reports of the remaining three, including an infant, have not been released due to their graphic nature. Concerns exist that the reports could incite further unrest and violence.

The ongoing ethnic violence has claimed 258 lives, including militants, and led to the recovery of over 3,000 looted weapons. The Manipur government's decisive action against militants is a crucial step towards restoring peace and security in the state.