Tension returns to Manipur as Meitei propose Peace March which has been opposed by Kukis and Paiteis

 

Tension remained high even as authorities confirmed that the situation is under control.

The fact of the matter tension escalated on National Highway 102, which connects Moreh on the Manipur-Myanmar border to Dimapur in Nagaland.

Security forces denied the passage of a particular community on Saturday.

The restrictions came as a precautionary measure despite the Union Home Minister Amit Shah's earlier announcement allowing free movement on the National Highways in Manipur.

Sources said Police blocked the FOCS peace rally near Imphal War Cemetery and the police have instructed peace march participants to board the government bus for the rally and not to use individual vehicles.

The security forces denied passage at Sekmai in Imphal West and Kanglatongbi in Kangpokpi, although government-sponsored buses, with or without passengers, were allowed to travel with heavy security, primarily from CRPF and CAF.

A peace march, organized by the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) and its allied groups, was allowed to proceed until Kanglatongbi, which is predominantly inhabited by the Kuk Zo community.

Despite prior announcements, the peace rally was halted at Sekmai bazaar in Imphal West. Authorities stated that the group did not have the necessary permission for the proposed peace march.

FOCS president Th Manipur, who led the peace march, announced plans for another march from Imphal to Senapati via Kangpokpi in the coming days. 

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*JOINT OPERATIONS BY SECURITY FORCES RESULT IN RECOVERY OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION*

In a series of operations, Indian Army and Assam Rifles formation under Spear Corps launched intelligence-based operations in the hill and valley districts of Bishnupur, Senapati, Thoubal, Jiribam, Chandel, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Imphal East and Imphal West of Manipur on 07 Mar 25 in coordination with Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF, and ITBP and recovered 114 weapons, Improvised Devices (IEDs), grenades, ammunition and war like stores. Security forces also destroyed bunkers in Kangpokpi district of Manipur. 

Intelligence based operations in general area grove, South West of Nepali Basti, in Bishnupur district by Indian Army and Manipur Police resulted in recovery of seven weapons comprising two Carbines, two Pistols, two rifles and one improvised mortar, ammunition and war like stores.

Similarly, in Chandel district, an intelligence-based search operation resulted in recovery of 55 weapons comprising nine12 bore Single Barrel Rifle, ⁠twelve Muzzle loaded Rifle, one 12 mm Single Bore Shot Gun, one Single Barrel rifle, 32 improvised mortars of various calibres, four Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), grenades, ammunition and war like stores.

In Senapti district, on receipt of intelligence of presence of arms and ammunition Assam Rifles formation under Spear Corps, in coordination with Manipur Police launched a joint operation in general area Taphou Kuki and recovered four weapons comprising two bolt-action single-barrel guns, one double-barrel gun, one 12 Bore Single Barrel Rifle. 

15 weapons were recovered in an intelligence based joint operation by Assam Rifles and Manipur Police in general area Gothol, North West of Kangvai, in Churachandpur district.

In Jiribam district, a joint operation of Assam Rifles and Spear Corps in Ankhasu village resulted in recovery of nine improvised mortars (Pompi). In Imphal East district, in general area Pourabi, Sawombung and Kalika. Indian Army and Manipur Police launched an intelligence-based operation and recovered six weapons.

A Cordon and Search Operation in Khengang village located in 12 Kms North of Leimakhong in Kangpokpi district resulted in recovery of four weapons and destruction of 12 bunkers.

In an intelligence based joint operation in in general area Langmeithek Yerum Ching and Langathel, in Thoubal district, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police recovered eight weapons comprising ammunition and war like stores.

In a similar operation in Moidangpok Khullen (4km SE of New Keithelmanbi) in Imphal West, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police recovered six weapons.

These coordinated efforts by security forces highlight their unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in Manipur.