Imphal, Manipur, September 25 (HBTV): Even as Manipur police disclosed intelligence report of 900 suspected Myanmar militants preparing to attack on September 28, Kuki-Zo organizations have issued public notice to prepare to defend themselves from the Manipur government and the Meitei community.
Two Kuki apex bodies imposed a total shutdown in all Kuki-inhabited regions and issued a public notice alleging that the intelligence report from the Manipur government and the security advisor regarding the infiltration of 900 trained Kuki militants was unfounded.
Two different statements were issued on Tuesday by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), an apex Kuki body; and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum, another Kuki organization. Both are based in Churachandpur of Manipur.
KIM stated that the information from the Chief Minister’s Office regarding the alleged infiltration of 900 trained Kuki militants from Myanmar and a supposed coordinated attack against Meitei villages on September 28 was unfounded. KIM alleged that the statement was completely baseless and fabricated by the Manipur government to justify a planned attack against the Kuki-Zo people.
The Kuki body advised all Kuki people to stay at home and refrain from traveling or working on September 27 and the 28th. A total shutdown will be enforced on September 28 in all Kuki-Zo inhabited regions, monitored by Kuki Inpi and the KSO in their respective areas.
Countering the intelligence report of the Manipur government, the Kuki body expressed suspicion that the Meitei might launch coordinated attacks on September 28. It also advised all Kuki-Zo village volunteers to reinforce their positions in the ‘buffer zones.’
Meanwhile, the ITLF advised in a statement that all Kuki-Zo people must not travel outside the Kuki-Zo areas between September 26 and the 29th. It announced the closure of borders. It added that all schools, institutions, and offices should remain closed on September 27 and the 29th, and medical teams and ambulances should be on standby during that period.
The ITLF also urged all district security personnel, including state and central forces, to remain extremely vigilant to thwart any possible attacks.
Earlier, the security advisor to the Manipur government told the media in Imphal that based on various intelligence inputs, security chiefs have been alerted to the infiltration of 900 trained Kuki militants from Myanmar. Strategic areas, including border regions, have been secured.
“These militants are organized in groups of 30 and are currently scattered in peripheral areas. They are expected to launch multiple coordinated attacks on Meitei villages around September 28,” said Kuldiep.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also stated earlier, on September 18, that the government was holding talks with both the Kuki and Meitei communities to help resolve the ongoing crisis in Manipur.