The exchange of gunfire between security personnel and militants continued for a second day on Tuesday near Manipur’s border town, Moreh. The town, situated near the Myanmar border, has been on high alert following a series of attacks on Manipur police commandos and gunfight.
The gunfight erupted late on Sunday, creating panic among the villages in the region. Firing incidents were reported at various locations, including Ward 7 and Moreh Bazar, with militants using bombs to target security forces, according to officials.
No casualties have been reported on either side, although militants reportedly used mortar shells during the attack on security forces, as per officials. The ongoing gunfight has led to concerns among villagers, prompting some to leave their homes for safety.
K Minlun Touthang, chairman of unit 8 (New Moreh), Hill Tribal Council (HTC) of Moreh, reported that firing occurred at three places in New Moreh, Lhangkichoi, and Zion Veng. He mentioned that militants posed as security forces and fired at Kuki villages, resulting in around 200 villagers leaving their homes.
Kaikholal Haokip, spokesperson of the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal, an umbrella group for Kukis, accused Manipur police commandos of bias and involvement in the killing of Kuki-Zo tribals. Village volunteers targeted commando posts in Moreh as a response. Haokip highlighted the infiltration of Meitei militant groups posing as commandos or security forces, attacking Kuki villages.
Protests erupted in Moreh and Kangpokpi where Kuki women demanded the withdrawal of Manipur police commandos from their villages. The region has been tense since the beginning of the year, witnessing attacks on security personnel, including four Manipur police commandos and three BSF personnel injured in an attack on January 2.
Expressing concern over the situation, Chief Minister N Biren Singh suggested the involvement of foreign mercenaries from Myanmar in the attacks on Moreh. He remarked that there were “high chances” of external elements being behind the incidents.
The ongoing unrest in Moreh underscores the challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace and order in border regions, with heightened tensions requiring careful handling to prevent further escalation. The situation remains dynamic, with authorities closely monitoring developments in the region.