Manipur CM Biren Singh's office backtracks on "intel report" of 900 Kukis infiltrating from Myanmar

The Manipur Chief Minister’s Office issued a note, declaring that the possibility of an attack by 900 well-trained Kuki militants who "reportedly arrived" from Myanmar is now remote.

"It is now ascertained that possibility of any such misadventure by armed groups is remote," said a note from Chief Minister's Secretary, Ninthoujam Geoffrey. 

Based on information gathered on movement of armed groups, his office had shared intelligence inputs vide UO note bearing no. 1/25/2024-CM dated September 16, 2024 to enable the Police Department to use its machinery and network to develop the said information so as to determine actionability, it stated.

It requested the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) to issue necessary communication to reassure the public in this regard.

The note is marked to the Chief Secretary, Security Advisor and the DGP.  

Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and DGP Rajiv Singh issued a clarification, stating that the input on the infiltration of 900 trained Kuki militants from Myanmar to carry out attacks on Meiteis on September 28 was verified from different quarters, but it could not be substantiated on ground.

The clarification is issued in view of the recent reactions from different communities regarding the intel, it stated.

“There is no basis currently to believe in any such input. However, security forces deployed on the ground are placed on a high alert to protect the lives and properties of citizens. All communities are assured of their safety. They are advised not to believe in any rumors or unverified information,” it added.

The alert issued earlier on the possible attacks by over 900 Kuki militants from Myanmar around September 28 went viral on social media. 

The alert issued from the chief minister’s office directed the Director General of Police (DGP), Manipur to take all necessary measures. 

It mentioned that over 900 Kuki militants, newly trained in the use of drone-based bombs, projectiles, missiles, and jungle warfare, have entered Manipur from Myanmar. It stated that these militants are reportedly grouped in units of 30 members each, scattered across the periphery, and are expected to launch multiple coordinated attacks on Meitei villages around September 28.