Manipur police on high alert as tensions rise across districts

Imphal: Manipur Police issued a high alert on Wednesday night, instructing all 16 district police chiefs to remain vigilant due to the ongoing law and order issues in the state. This alert came after a violent clash in Ukhrul district, where three people, including a Manipur Rifles trooper, were killed, and 30 others were injured over a village boundary dispute between two Naga villages.

L. Kailun, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), sent an urgent message to the Superintendents of Police (SPs) in all districts, emphasising the need for heightened vigilance. “Proper security for arms and ammunition must be ensured. All officers, police stations, outposts, and Naka points should remain on the highest alert,” the ADG said in his most urgent message.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed condolences for the deaths and urged the community to maintain peace. He also directed officials to provide financial assistance to the families of the victims. “All injured are being assisted by the government to provide proper medical treatment in Imphal as well as in Ukhrul,” the Chief Minister said in a statement on Wednesday night.

Tensions have been high in six valley districts since September 27, following the abduction of two youths from the Meitei community. In another incident, a self-styled commander of a banned militant group was shot dead near Leishang village in Churachandpur district on Tuesday. The deceased, Seikhohao Haokip, was reportedly a member of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA).

On Wednesday, life was disrupted in the six valley districts due to a shutdown called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in response to the kidnappings. Shops, markets, government offices, and banks were closed, and private vehicles stayed off the roads. Supporters of the shutdown blocked streets in districts including Imphal East and Imphal West.

JAC convenor L. Subol stated that their protests would continue until the two abducted youths were released. Various civil society organisations, political parties, and NGOs are urging the state government and Kuki militants to secure their release.

The three kidnapped youths, Ningombam Johnson (25), Oinam Thoithoi (27), and Thokchom Thoithoiba (28), were taken by armed Kuki militants while travelling to an Army recruitment examination on September 27. Johnson was rescued the following day, while efforts continue to free Thoithoi and Thoithoiba.

Chief Minister Singh has directed the Director General of Police, Rajiv Singh, to secure the release of the kidnapped youths, with both central and state security forces actively working on the case. “We think that there will be a positive outcome. The abductors have made some demands, but we are trying to release the two youths unconditionally,” the Chief Minister had told the media.

A Manipur police statement said: “Police and other security forces are making all-out efforts to rescue the missing/ kidnapped youths as quickly as possible.”

In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress Lok Sabha member Angomcha Bimol Akoijam called for urgent action to ensure the safe return of Thoithoi and Thoithoiba from captivity.

Agency