Manipur on High Alert Amid Alleged Influx of 900 Militants from Myanmar

The northeastern state of Manipur is on high alert following intelligence reports of approximately 900 suspected Kuki militants entering from Myanmar, Reuters reported yesterday.

Kuldiep Singh, Manipur’s security adviser, confirmed that the information has been shared with various intelligence agencies, prompting increased vigilance in hill districts inhabited by Kuki tribes.

The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) denied the allegations, accusing Singh of spreading misinformation and demanding his resignation, citing a lack of safety under his leadership. Since May 2023, Manipur has faced ethnic violence between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities, resulting in at least 237 deaths and displacing over 60,000 people.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) links the unrest to an influx of refugees following Myanmar’s military coup in 2021. In response to ongoing violence, Meitei protesters have called for action against Kuki militants, as sporadic clashes continue in the region.