Manipur: Government's U-turn on militant infiltration sparks tension
Imphal: The Manipur government's u-turn on the recent intelligence reports on militant infiltration has now drawn varied reactions from different communities in the state.
The security advisor of the Manipur government had earlier claimed that 900 militants had infiltrated Manipur from Myanmar to carry out attacks on September 28.
However, the report was later dismissed by the police department citing it to be unsubstantial.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) blamed Security Advisor and Unified Command Chairman Kuldiep Singh for the alleged "downplayed" intelligence reports.
The COCOMI coordinator, Somorendro Thokchom said that the contradictory statements to tackle the protracted ongoing ethnic crisis are highly condemnable and equally detestable.
To avoid any bloodshed the security forces have been directed to take up necessary measures and remain alert, Kuldiep Singh had said while announcing the report of the infiltration.
Ng Lun Kipgen, spokesperson of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), an apex body of the Kuki-Zo community alleged that the false intelligence reports regarding the influx of 900 militants from Myanmar into Manipur are part of the periodic propaganda campaigns by the Manipur government.
He also urged the Centre not to subscribe to or engage with such narratives.
He further accused the state government of spreading false narratives through local media, branding the Kuki-Zo as "narco-terrorists," "poppy planters," and "illegal immigrants" to incite hatred and drive them out of the Imphal valley.