Imphal: In a fierce battle with suspected Kuki militants at midnight on May 18, the Assam Rifles successfully led the rescue and evacuation of around 75 Meira Paibis (Meiteis). During an intense attack by armed miscreants that lasted over two hours, the security forces demonstrated remarkable dominance and ensured the safety of all civilians involved. An Assam Rifles spokesperson confirmed that the security forces repelled the misadventure by delivering heavy fire and safeguarding the villagers in Uyok.
According to reports, Kuki militants targeted the unarmed female village volunteers of Meitei villages, known as Meira Paibis, in Uyok village, located in the downhill region of Bishnupur district. The vigilant Assam Rifles spotted movements of armed militants in the hill areas on the night of May 18. As the militants approached the buffer zone with intentions to target the Meitei women volunteers, the situation escalated quickly. Around 10:30 PM, the heavily armed militants initiated an attack on the women’s group.
The Assam Rifles responded immediately, mobilising their forces and deploying heavy firearms, including 81mm mortars and other sophisticated weapons. The gunfight continued until 1 AM, ending only when the militants fled after facing intense retaliation from the security forces. As a result, 75 women volunteers were safely rescued by the Assam Rifles from the perilous firing site.
An Assam Rifles spokesperson reiterated their commitment to restoring normalcy and maintaining law and order in Manipur. “The Indian Army & Assam Rifles continue to stay steadfast in their resolve to bring normalcy in Manipur and maintain law & order,” the spokesperson stated.
Imphal’s Market Shutdown
In a parallel development, the heart of Imphal came to a standstill as the Bazaar Shop Owners community declared a 24-hour total shutdown in Khwairamband Bazar. This move underscores a concerning deterioration in law and order, further complicating the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.
Effective from Monday midnight until Tuesday midnight, the shutdown has paralysed business activities, aggravating the already tense situation in the region. The usually bustling Thangal Bazaar and MG Avenue, vital supply hubs for the entire state, have fallen silent. Even the typically lively Paona Bazaar Masjid road was eerily quiet during morning hours. Retail markets in Thangal Bazaar’s Alu Gali, Paona International Market, and the major Kaul area also shut down completely.
The shutdown stems from escalating issues within the bazaar area. The Bazaar Shop Owners community, representing both small and large shop owners, collectively decided on this drastic measure in response to recent violent incidents. Notably, residents of Thangal Bazar were assaulted at night, triggering widespread fear and unrest among the populace.
In reaction to these assaults, Manipur police made significant arrests on May 13th. Seven individuals, including five minors, were detained for their involvement in the nighttime attacks. The suspects, identified through CCTV footage, include Khumukcham Brainny Singh, 19, of Kongba Makha Nandeibam, Imphal East, and RK Ronish Singh, 22, of Keishampat Thokchom Leikai, Imphal West. The minors were taken into custody as individuals in conflict with the law (CCL).
Despite swift police action, tensions remain high. Local MLA Khumukcham Joykisan has urged the community to avoid further incidents, emphasising that legal actions will be taken against those harassing bazaar residents. His plea aims to quell the unrest and restore a sense of security among the local business community. This shutdown, set against the backdrop of ongoing ethnic strife, highlights the growing fear among the populace. The paralysis of business activities not only impacts the local economy but also underscores the deteriorating law and order situation in Manipur. The events of recent days raise urgent concerns about the state’s stability and the effectiveness of security measures in place.
As Manipur grapples with escalating tensions and violence, the swift and decisive actions of the Assam Rifles in rescuing the Meira Paibis provide a glimmer of hope. However, the widespread shutdown in Imphal’s markets signals a deeper crisis that requires immediate and sustained efforts to restore peace and stability in the region. The people of Manipur are looking to their leaders and security forces to navigate these troubled times and bring an end to the conflict that has disrupted their lives for over a year.
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