Imphal: Amid the ongoing violence in Manipur, Chief Minister N Biren Singh, along with several state cabinet ministers and MLAs, held a high-stakes meeting with Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on September 8. The meeting, which took place at Raj Bhawan and lasted for about 45 minutes, centred around the growing security challenges in the state due to the attacks by Kuki militants.
During the meeting, CM Biren Singh submitted a memorandum urging the Governor to grant a Unified Command Authority to streamline and strengthen the coordination among security forces operating in the state. This move is seen as essential for dealing with the increasing threats posed by Kuki militants, who have intensified their attacks on civilians and security personnel in recent days.
Call to end Suspension of Operation agreement with Kuki groups
In addition to requesting a Unified Command Authority, the Chief Minister and his delegation of ministers and MLAs also appealed to the Governor to urge the central government to end the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups. The SoO agreement, originally intended as a ceasefire, has come under scrutiny as the violence continues unabated, with many in the state questioning its effectiveness.
The insurgents have shown no signs of ceasing their activities, with recent drone attacks and the use of long-range bombs highlighting the increasing sophistication of their operations. The CM’s call to end the SoO reflects a growing sentiment that more decisive action is required to bring the situation under control.
Escalating violence by Kuki terrorists
In recent weeks, the state has seen a surge in violence, with multiple attacks carried out by Kuki insurgents. In one such incident, militants used long-range bombs in a devastating attack on Moirang, Bishnupur district, resulting in the death of a 70-year-old man, RK Rabei, and injuries to five others. The attacks are part of a broader campaign of violence by Kuki militants, who have been targeting civilians and security forces alike.
Most recently, on September 6, a fresh attack in Bishnupur district saw suspected Kuki militants fire rockets from the hills of Churachandpur, targeting Tronglaobi village. Though no casualties were reported in this incident, a community hall and an empty room were damaged. This attack followed reports of drones hovering over nearby Kumbi village, further raising concerns about the use of sophisticated technology by the militants.
The violence reached a peak when five people were killed in a brutal series of events in Jiribam district. One person was shot dead in his sleep, and four armed individuals, including three suspected militants, were killed in a fierce exchange of fire between warring groups.
Push for decisive action to restore peace:
After the meeting with the Governor, CM Biren Singh and his team returned to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat to further deliberate on the state’s security situation. Sources indicate that the CM is pushing for more proactive and aggressive measures to restore law and order in the state. With the ongoing attacks and the potential for further escalation, the state government is under mounting pressure to act swiftly.
The situation in Manipur remains tense, and the state’s leadership is now looking to the central government and security agencies for stronger support in addressing the threat posed by Kuki militants. The call for a Unified Command Authority and the end of the SoO agreement could mark a turning point in how the state handles the insurgency, as the violence shows no signs of abating.
The people of Manipur are anxiously waiting for peace to return, and with heightened violence and new security challenges, the need for decisive leadership has never been more crucial.
