Factional clashes among militant outfits a cause of security concern in Manipur

Factional clashes among militant outfits are a cause of security concern in Manipur. Recently, unidentified armed militants launched an attack on a vehicle carrying the 'home secretary' of the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) Saikhohao and his family.

On July 13, Saikhohao, along with his family, was on his way back from Imphal to his home in Saikul village. While Seikhohao died on the spot, his two year old daughter succumbed to her injuries the next day. Two others were also injured in the ambush.

"This type of brutal killing is inhumane in nature and is completely condemnable and as the speaker of the Kuki Inpi Manipur, I strongly condemn this type of action against him and any other persons in Manipur," said H Azhang Khongsai, Speaker, Kuki Inpi Manipur

While no one has taken responsibility for the incident till now, rival Kuki cadres are suspected to be behind the attack. Kuki militant outfits often engage in factional fights, which result in bloodshed.

"This incident has happened at a time when they are under the suspension of operation. So this is very unfortunate and I am not happy with it," Chungkham Haokip, President, Kuki Inpi.

KLA is the armed wing of the Kuki Liberation Organization (KLO) and the group is a signatory to the ongoing Suspension of Operation with the government. Over 20 Kuki militant groups operating in Manipur have signed tripartite agreement with the state and the Centre.