The first week of September saw similar violence in Manipur as witnessed in July and August 2023. The use of drones for aerial bombing, RPG launches, and advanced weaponry has exacerbated the situation. The ethnic violence in Manipur shows no sign of abating and appears to be escalating.
Amid the rising unrest, Manipur's Chief Minister N. Biren Singh met with the Governor in Imphal to apprise him of the current situation. The Chief Minister will also present a proposal passed by the state's legislators to the Governor.
COCOMI Issues Five-Day Ultimatum
Following the valley killings, a public emergency has been declared. COCOMI (Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity) has issued a stern ultimatum demanding concrete action from the Indian armed forces within five days to tackle the crisis. It warns that if the demand is not met, people will take stringent measures to protect themselves and the native population, which could include the expulsion of central forces from Manipur.
Committee Alleges 'Collusion'
COCOMI has accused the central forces, particularly Assam Rifles, of collusion and has set a five-day deadline for the Indian forces to act against the Kuki militant groups or leave Manipur. It claims that the people of Manipur have lost trust in the central forces due to their failure to control the situation.
Drones Drop Bombs
On September 1, 2024, Kuki insurgents carried out an attack involving drone aerial bombing in the areas of Imphal West, resulting in the death of a mother and injuries to 10 civilians. Subsequent drone bombings in Senjam Chirang, Imphal West, saw over 50 bombs dropped, injuring several animals.
Public Emergency Declared in Manipur
COCOMI claims these attacks were launched from militant camps near Assam Rifles' posts, yet there was no intervention. On September 5, 2024, missile attacks targeted Tronglaobi and Moirang in Bishnupur district from a distance of 7 km. On September 6, 2024, COCOMI declared an indefinite public emergency in Manipur.
Kuki Tribe Also Levels Accusations
Meanwhile, the Kuki tribe's apex body has issued a statement accusing armed valley miscreants of targeting the Kuki-Zo community. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) claims that Meitei insurgents attacked Kuki-Zo areas over the past two days to divert attention from the leaked audio tape of Manipur's Chief Minister on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
