In response to a recent attack on security forces and the subsequent arrest of two individuals suspected of involvement in the killing of a police officer last year, a total curfew has been imposed in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district. This move comes just two days after the district administration had relaxed curfew hours to allow the general public to purchase essential items.
Tengnoupal, a district dominated by the Kuki tribe and located near the Myanmar border, has been experiencing sporadic incidents of violence over the past two weeks, including several attacks on security forces by armed miscreants. The recent curfew order, issued by District Magistrate Krishna Kumar, cites the potential for a breach of peace, disturbance of public tranquility, and a grave danger to human lives and property in the district.
The curfew, effective from 12 am on January 16, exempts government agencies responsible for maintaining law and order and essential services. The decision to impose a total curfew underscores the authorities’ concerns about the prevailing situation in the region.
On Monday, two individuals believed to be key suspects in the assassination of a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) were apprehended from Moreh, located approximately 110 km south of Imphal. The arrests followed an operation initiated after the suspects opened fire on security personnel patrolling near Moreh College. During the operation, the two individuals were chased, overpowered, and subsequently detained for verification.
Among the items recovered from the arrested individuals were a pistol with two live rounds, a Chinese hand grenade, 10 live rounds of AK ammunition, and 10 detonators with a fuse. The police control room reported that the arrested individuals, Philip Khikholal Khongsai and Hemkholal Mate, are considered main suspects in the assassination of late Chingtham Anand, SDPO Moreh, who was shot by suspected armed miscreants while inspecting a helipad at Moreh on October 31.
However, two prominent Kuki groups, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) and Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), have condemned the arrests, asserting that the allegations linking the arrested duo to the police officer’s death are a “blatant lie.” According to a statement issued by the groups, the arrested individuals were participating in a peaceful protest against a proposed commando outpost at Chikim village in Moreh when they were fired upon by the police. The groups claim that the arrests are part of a “vicious campaign” to vilify the individuals.
The backdrop of ethnic clashes between the Meitei and the tribal Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur since May last year adds further complexity to the current situation. The violence has claimed at least 200 lives and displaced around 50,000 people, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and sustainable resolution to the longstanding tensions in the region.
Sources By Agencies
