Correspondent
IMPHAL, JUN 22 (NPN): Security forces recovered 36 firearms and a large cache of ammunition and war-like stores during ongoing combing operations in parts of Kangpokpi district on Monday, even as protests against the operations led to clashes between demonstrators and security personnel.
The operations, launched on June 20 by joint teams of the Manipur Police, CRPF, COBRA, RAF and the Army, have been underway in several sensitive areas of the Kuki-dominated district based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of armed militants.
According to a statement issued by Manipur Police, the recovered weapons included 17 single and double-barrel guns, two AK-47 rifles, one M4 carbine, two Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), one SKS rifle, an improvised .303 sniper rifle and 11 SBL rifles. Assorted ammunition, communication equipment and other war-like materials were also seized.
Police said the operations covered the areas of Leilon Vaiphei, Leilon Munlui, Molhoi, P. Moulding, Leilon Khunou and adjoining locations. During the operation, security forces reportedly exchanged fire with suspected militants before recovering the arms and ammunition.
Meanwhile, Kuki civil society organisations, including the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), continued to oppose the security operations, alleging that they were focused exclusively on Kuki-inhabited areas and describing them as “partial and selective”.
In protest, CoTU had imposed an emergency blockade on National Highways 102 and 37 from Sunday evening. Tensions escalated on Monday at New Keithelmanbi along the Imphal-Jiribam stretch of NH-37 when security personnel moved to clear the highway blockade. Reports said security forces used crowd-control measures, including firing warning shots in the air and deploying mock bombs, to disperse protesters who had blocked the road. At least three protesters sustained serious injuries during the confrontation.
The Kuki Inpi South West Sadar Hills condemned the incident and urged the government to address the concerns raised by the demonstrators.
Later in the day, CoTU announced the withdrawal of the blockade following discussions with government authorities and assurances from the Superintendent of Police, Kangpokpi district. In a statement, the organisation said the decision was taken in good faith based on commitments made by the authorities. It added that the district police chief would be responsible for ensuring the safety and security of Kuki-Zo villages and residents across the district.
CoTU also stated that village volunteers deployed for security duties in affected areas would be withdrawn. It warned that any future incidents involving attacks, arson, loss of life, destruction of property or other security lapses in Kuki-Zo villages would be the responsibility of the district police and Central security forces.
The organisation further claimed that the district police had agreed to facilitate the safe transportation of essential commodities to Kuki-Zo villages through security escort arrangements, particularly in the Leimakhong, Tuilang IT Road, Kangchup and Bungpi areas, as well as other affected parts of Kangpokpi district.
CoTU also reiterated its demand for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killing of three pastors and 11 other Kuki-Zo civilians, as well as individuals allegedly involved in the burning and destruction of Kuki-Zo homes and villages during the ongoing conflict.
Before the blockade was lifted, security forces escorted more than 450 trucks carrying essential commodities along the Imphal-Jiribam section of NH-37. Official sources said the convoy included 73 Indian Oil Corporation fuel tankers and 33 LPG carriers, which were escorted from Keithelmanbi to Khongsang and Jiribam by three companies of the CRPF.