Page 8 - Manipur Govt

Manipur police recover 80% of firearms looted during Ukhrul violence

Sixteen firearms looted by a mob from the Ukhrul police station in Manipur were recovered, police said on Saturday. Addressing a press conference, Inspector General (Operations) IK Muivah said during the clash between two villages on October 2, an agitated mob stormed into the police station and looted 20 firearms. "With the cooperation of the security forces, Civil Society Organisations, and community leaders, 80 per cent of the weapons have now been recovered," he said. Efforts are underway to retrieve the remaining weapons, he said. Among the arms recovered were 9mm pistols, INSAS rifles and AK-47 rifles, he added. Muivah said the situation in the district was under control, and security forces, including the Manipur Rifles, Assam Rifles and BSF, were keeping a close watch with the cooperation of leaders of the two villages. "This is something unprecedented, noteworthy and praiseworthy for all those who have played a very positive role in restoring normalcy," he said. Assam R

Two youth held hostage in Manipur released, handed over to police

Two youths who were held hostage by armed men in Manipur's Kangpokpi district were released and handed over to police on Thursday morning, seven days after they were abducted, an officer said. The two Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Th Thoithoiba Singh are being escorted back to Imphal, the police officer said. "The youths were handed over to Kangpokpi Superintendent of police at Gamgiphai naka and and left for Imphal," the police said. The two on September 27 had accompanied another youth N Johnson Singh who was appearing for SSC GD recruitment test at New Keithelmanbi. However, they lost their way in Kangpokpi district. While Johnson was rescued by the army and handed over to the police, the two youths remained in the captivity of armed men. The state government with the assistance of the Centre carried out negotiations to secure the release of the two youths. Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in a post on social media said, "The two young men abducted in Kangpokpi on ...

Manipur DGP asked to secure release of two kidnapped youth: CM Biren Singh

Security forces in Manipur are making all-out efforts to trace two of the three youths, who were allegedly abducted by armed men in Manipur's Kangpokpi district three days ago, police said on Monday. One of the three youths has already been rescued. Accompanied by his two friends, N. Johnson Singh, who was rescued by the army, went for the SSC GD recruitment test for central forces at New Keithelmanbi in Manipur's Imphal West district but took a wrong turn, ending up in Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi, a police officer said. The three hail from Thoubal district. Singh was safe and handed over to the police, while Th. Thoithoiba Singh and O. Thoithoi Singh were still missing, he said. "In connection with the case of two youths, who were allegedly abducted by miscreants on September 27 in Kangpokpi district, security forces are making all-out efforts to rescue the missing/kidnapped youths as quickly as possible," the police said in a statement. The state police and the central forces have

'No basis': Manipur govt retracts remark on Kuki militants' possible attack

The Manipur government retracted claims of a planned attack by 900 Kuki militants on the Meitei community in peripheral villager , noting that the "inputs" could not be substantiated

Both Meitei, Kuki must learn to live, co-exist together: Scindia on Manipur

Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday said both the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur must learn to live and co-exist together. Ethnic violence has been going on in Manipur since May 3 last year after a tribal solidarity march was taken out in the hill districts of the northeastern state to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. More than 220 people, including members of both the Kuki and Meitei communities and security personnel, have been killed in the continuing violence. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of North East Students Festival, Scindia said the principle of unity in diversity should be followed by every citizen of the country. "This is an issue which has been present since the last many many decades. We are all praying that both sides will certainly, hopefully live in peace, come together. They must learn to live and co-exist together," he sai

Govt talking to Meitei, Kuki communities for peace in Manipur: HM Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday said the government is talking to both the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur to ensure lasting peace and has begun fencing the country's border with Myanmar to check infiltration. Addressing a press conference on the achievements of the 100 days of the Modi 3.0 government, Shah said barring three days of violence last week, the overall situation in Manipur has been calm and the government has been working to restore peace in the restive Northeastern state. "We are talking to both the communities for maintaining peace. We are also preparing a roadmap for a permanent peace in Manipur," he said. The home minister said fencing of 30 km of the international border with Myanmar has been completed while funds have been approved for a total of 1,500 km and the work will start soon. He said that the government has already scrapped the India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allows people residing close to the India-Myanmar border to

Situation tense but under control after Manipur students, police clash

The situation in Manipur remained tense but under control on Wednesday after students clashed with security forces during their march to Raj Bhavan here a day before, police said. Curfew, which was imposed in the state's capital Imphal on Tuesday afternoon, continued to be in place this morning, while additional security forces were deployed and frequent patrolling by policemen was underway in the town to avoid any untoward incident, a senior officer said. "The situation remains tense but under control," he said. A clash broke out between students and security forces during a march to the Raj Bhavan here on Tuesday. The government on Tuesday evening issued an amended order, stating that the suspension of internet services in the wake of intensified agitation by students applies only to the five valley districts. The agitating students attempted to march towards the Raj Bhavan in Imphal to press for their demands to remove the DGP and security advisor to the state government. The

Manipur govt fresh order says internet suspended only in 5 valley districts

The Manipur government on Tuesday evening issued an amended order, stating that the suspension of internet services in the wake of intensified agitation by students applies only to the state's five valley districts. Earlier, the state government had issued a notification for suspension of internet services in the entire state for five days. The hill districts do not come under the purview of the order, officials said. ... Temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services including Lease Lines, VSATs, Broadbands and VPN services in the territorial jurisdiction of the Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching Districts of Manipur for 5(five) days with effect from 3:00 P.M. of 10-09-2024, the latest Home Department order said. ... There is an imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property, and widespread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which might

Internet suspended in Manipur for 5 days: What triggered fresh protests?

The Manipur government suspended internet services statewide from September 10-15 due to violent student protests demanding the removal of key government officials

Manipur students stage protest over drone, missile attacks, demand action

Thousands of school and college students protested in front of Manipur Chief Minister's Secretariat and Raj Bhavan, calling for the protection of the state's "territorial and administrative integrity" and demanding decisive action against those responsible for recent drone and missile attacks that resulted in two deaths and over 10 injuries. The students, chanted slogans such as "Long Live Manipur," "Resign all incompetent MLAs," and "Give Unified Command to State Government," expressing their frustration with the authorities over their handling of the situation. Later, the students met Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Governor L Acharya. Student representatives who met Acharya later told reporters that they placed six demands, including the removal of the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Security Advisor to the state government for their alleged failure to control the violence. They also called for the Unified Command, currently chaired by former CRPF DG Kuldiep Singh, to b

Anti-drone system deployed after attacks on civilians: Manipur Police

Manipur Police on Saturday said it deployed anti-drone systems in response to recent drone and rocket attacks on civilians, the announcement coinciding with reports of fresh violence in Jiribam district that resulted in five deaths. Briefing reporters here, inspector general of police (Intelligence) K Kabib said a robust anti-drone system has been deployed and police are in the process of buying additional weapons to counter the attacks on civilians. "The state force is closely monitoring the situation and senior officers have been deployed on the ground. Due to the recent drone attacks, an anti-drone system has been deployed and the state police are in the process of purchasing additional anti-drone guns, which will be deployed soon," he said. He added that army helicopters are conducting aerial patrols, and security personnel have been deployed in vulnerable areas. He added, "The combing operations on both sideshills and valleyhave been intensified, focusing on areas from which .

Manipur CM Biren Singh calls drone attacks on civilians act of terrorism

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday condemned the drone bomb attacks on civilians as acts of terrorism and vowed a firm response. Taking to X, Singh expressed his outrage, stating, "Dropping bombs on civilian populations and security forces using drones is an act of terrorism, and I condemn such cowardly acts in the strongest terms." Singh's comments followed two separate drone bomb attacks in Koutruk and Senjam Chirang in Imphal West district, which resulted in the deaths of two persons, including a woman, and injuries to 12 others. "The Manipur state government takes such unprovoked assaults with the utmost seriousness and will respond decisively to combat these forms of terrorism targeting the indigenous population," Singh said. He emphasized, "We denounce all forms of violence, and the people of Manipur shall unite against hate, division, and separatism." The use of drones in these bomb attacks marks the first instance of "hi-tech weapons" being employed in the ...

5 abandoned houses burnt in Manipur village, militants chased away: Police

Suspected militants burnt at least five abandoned houses at a village in Manipur's Imphal West district before they were chased away by security forces, police said on Monday. The militants had started firing indiscriminately from hilltops to the low-lying valley areas of Koutruk and neighbouring Kadangband from Sunday afternoon and managed to reach the outskirts of Koutruk village, a senior officer said. "Five abandoned houses were burnt by the militants. The residents had fled their homes after the gun and bomb attack that began around 2.30 pm on Sunday. The militants were pushed back by security forces on Sunday night," the police officer told PTI. Two persons, including a woman, were killed and nine others injured on September 1 when the suspected militants launched the attack on people in the area. Koutruk, located around 18 km from the state capital Imphal, has witnessed several attacks since ethnic violence in Manipur broke out in May last year. The attack by suspected ...

2 killed, 9 injured in firing, bomb attack by militants in Manipur

Two persons, including a woman, were killed and nine others injured when suspected militants launched a gun-and-bomb attack in Manipur's Imphal West district on Sunday, police said. According to police, militants fired indiscriminately from hilltop positions towards the low-lying valley areas of Koutruk and neighbouring Kadangband killing two persons and injuring nine others. Several houses were also damaged due to heavy shelling by the militants, they added. Of the nine injured, five sustained bullet wounds, while the others suffered splinter injuries from bomb explosions, hospital officials said. The sudden assault on the unsuspecting village caused widespread panic, forcing many residents, including women, children, and the elderly, to flee to safer areas, police added. The body of the deceased woman, identified as 31-year-old Ngangbam Surbala Devi, has been taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) for post-mortem examination. The identity of the other victim i

Kuki-Zo community protests in Delhi, demands action against Manipur CM

Kuki-Zo community members protested at Jantar Mantar here on Saturday, demanding action against Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh over an audio clip in which he purportedly "declared his involvement in spearheading violence" in the state. Around 500 people, most wearing black clothes, joined the protest called by the Kuki Students' Organisation Delhi and NCR, playing patriotic songs, chanting 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and raising slogans against Singh. They concluded the protest by playing the national anthem. In a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the KSO said the Kuki-Zo community has endured an "ethnic cleansing campaign and constant attacks against it by the majority Meitei community since May 3rd, 2023". "The audio recording that has recently surfaced where the chief minister openly boasts about his leadership role in orchestrating the war against Kuki-Zo community and how he ordered the State forces to bomb Kuki-Zo villages, only proves what the Kuki-Zo peopl

Manipur CM promises full peace in 6 months, says no question of resigning

With ethnic violence gradually subsiding, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has promised to fully restore peace in the state in six months with the Centre's help, and also ruled out stepping down, saying he has neither committed a crime nor spawned a scandal. In an interview with PTI Videos here on Thursday, Singh revealed for the first time that he has appointed an emissary to hold talks with Kuki-zo and Meitei leaders. The clashes between the Kuki-zo and Meiti ethnic groups since May 2023 has left 226 dead, according to official count. "All this can be solved with dialogue. Dialogue is the only way, Singh said. He identified the emissary as Dinganglung Gangmei, a Naga MLA and the chairman of the Hill Area Committee. Asked what kind of a deadline he has fixed for himself to restore peace, Singh indicated that along with dialogue, the Central government's involvement -- either through the home ministry or other agencies -- will be critical in bringing peace. I don't think it wil

Why hasn't PM Modi visited Manipur yet? CM Biren Singh explains reason

Manipur CM Biren Singh said that the PM didn't come here himself but he sent the Home Minister (Amit Shah) and has addressed the issue publicly on three occasions

Manipur govt says it will deploy police at petrol pumps amid fuel shortage

Manipur minister L Susindro said police would be deployed at petrol pumps in the state. Addressing a press conference, he warned fuel retailers of legal action if they refuse to sell fuel despite having stock. Susindro, the state's consumer affairs, food & public distribution minister, said several instances have come to the fore in which people after re-fueling have left the petrol pumps without payment. "Such incidents have led to many petrol pumps downing their shutters because of financial losses," he said. "We will be deploying police personnel and staff of the Food and Public Distribution Department at petrol pumps," he said, appealing to people not to indulge in extortion. With several petrol pumps closing down in the Imphal Valley, a severe fuel crisis has hit the region. "Legal action will be initiated against those petrol pump operators who refuse to sell fuel despite stocking it. There is enough fuel in the state," Susindro said. He also said that frequent landslides

CM's fake audio clip being spread to derail peace process: Manipur govt

The Manipur government said a "doctored audio clip" of Chief Minister N Biren Singh is being circulated on social media platforms to incite communal violence and derail the peace process in the state. A press release issued by Manipur government's Directorate of Information and Public Relations on Monday night appealed to general public to not rely on such unfounded contents circulating in social media and news reports and also to refrain from involvement in spreading such false and fabricated information through any media. It warned that people shall be prosecuted under relevant provisions of laws if found involved in spreading such unfounded and baseless content or posting and sharing of such content. An FIR has been registered in the Cyber police station on the doctored audio clip claiming to be that of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh which is being circulated on social media platforms, the release said, adding that investigation is underway. The release said the Manipur ..

Kuki students hold protest in Delhi, ask separate administration in Manipur

Kuki-Zo groups held a protest under the banner of Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) here on Saturday, demanding a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo tribal communities in ethnic strife-torn Manipur. The Delhi-NCR unit of the KSO also released a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a separate Kuki-Zo administration in Manipur and opposing the Centre's decision to withdraw the Assam Rifles from the buffer zones in the northeastern state. Around 600-800 members of the Kuki and Zo communities gathered at Jantar Mantar despite rain, KSO general secretary Seilenmang Haokip said. "We, the Kuki Students' Organisation Delhi-NCR, write to you with a deep sense of urgency and desperation. The Kuki-Zo people are enduring severe atrocities and existential threats under the current Meitei-led government in Manipur, headed by Chief Minister N Biren Singh," the organisation said in its memorandum addressed to Modi. "The Kuki-Zo tribal communities are facing an ...