Imphal, June 27: In a significant breakthrough, the Assam Rifles, in coordination with the Kohima Police, successfully intercepted a smuggling operation and recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives destined for Manipur. The operation comes amidst the prevailing tension and escalating violence in Manipur, raising concerns over public safety and security.
Acting swiftly on credible intelligence inputs, the joint team conducted a meticulously planned operation in the Nagaland region, aiming to intercept the smugglers and prevent the illegal transportation of firearms and explosives. The operation, which took place under the cover of darkness, proved to be a resounding success.
The security forces managed to seize two pistols along with four magazines, a substantial quantity of ammunition, and explosives, which were concealed within a hidden compartment in a vehicle. The recovered weapons and explosives have the potential to cause significant harm and disruption if they had reached their intended destination in Manipur.
The recovery of weapons and the foiled smuggling attempt by Assam Rifles and Kohima Police come at a time when Manipur is grappling with a disturbing wave of violence. The state has been plagued by a deadly ethnic conflict that has resulted in the loss of numerous lives and the displacement of tens of thousands of people from their homes.
Since May 3, the region has witnessed a surge in violence, leading to the tragic death of more than 115 individuals. The roots of the conflict lie in the demands made by the majority Meitei community, who have been seeking Scheduled Tribe status. This demand, however, has been met with opposition from various hill tribes within the state.
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The divergent viewpoints on the matter have escalated tensions, leading to clashes and acts of aggression between different ethnic groups. The situation has been exacerbated by the inability to find a peaceful resolution, resulting in continued violence and little respite for the affected communities.
In the midst of the volatile situation in Manipur, another significant development has emerged. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), a prominent group representing the interests of indigenous tribes, has firmly rejected any offer of dialogue with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
The forum expressed a complete lack of trust in the leadership of the Chief Minister and his government, asserting that they will not engage in any talks with him.
Following a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, N Biren Singh expressed his intention to initiate discussions with various parties involved in the conflict. However, the ITLF dismissed these intentions as too little, too late. They argued that after the loss of innocent lives, extensive property damage, and immense hardships faced by the Kuki-Zo tribals, mere discussions on peace without a comprehensive political solution hold no value.
According to the press release, the ongoing crisis has taken a heavy toll on the tribal communities, resulting in the tragic loss of around 106 tribal individuals. The violence has also led to the burning of 201 villages, the destruction of over 5000 houses, and 355 churches.
The consequences of the conflict are further highlighted by the staggering number of displaced individuals, with approximately 41,425 tribals forced to flee their homes due to the violence.
Amidst this backdrop of violence, displacement, and the breakdown of trust, the recovery of weapons and the thwarted smuggling attempt by Assam Rifles and Kohima Police serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining peace and security in Manipur.
