New Delhi: Delhi-based Meitei civil society organizations (CSOs) have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the protection of Meitei civilians amid rising violence by armed Kuki terrorists in the outskirts of Manipur valley and Jiribam district.
The conflict, which began with the burning of Meitei villages in Churachandpur on May 3 last year, had seen a brief period of calm due to interventions by central and state authorities. However, since September 1 this year, a resurgence of coordinated attacks by Kuki militants has resulted in the deaths of four Meitei civilians and left over a dozen injured, according to a memorandum submitted by three CSOs—Delhi Manipuri Society (DeMAS), Meitei Heritage Society, and Ningol United Progressive Initiative (NUPI).
In their appeal, the organizations expressed grave concern over the escalating violence, warning that it now threatens national security. The memorandum noted that these attacks followed a series of nationwide rallies by Kuki groups calling for a separate Union Territory, which the CSOs argue is part of a broader movement to create a sovereign Christian nation (referred to as Zogam/Zelangam/Kukiland) by breaking up Manipur and India.
The memo cited findings from the Manipur Police, who confirmed the use of drone bombs and missiles in the recent attacks. Evidence from blast sites and eyewitness accounts suggested the use of advanced drone technology, with bombs specifically designed to inflict maximum damage in civilian areas.
The CSOs also highlighted the suspected involvement of foreign forces in supplying Kuki militants with advanced weapons, a theory supported by both national and international experts in military and geopolitics. They urged the Prime Minister to investigate the role of the Kuki Students’ Organization (KSO) and other militant groups in the attacks.
Additionally, the organizations called for the cancellation of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, accusing them of repeatedly violating the terms of the accord.
