Imphal, June 25: 12 cadres of the banned extremist group, Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL), were released by the Army in Manipur after a mob, predominantly consisting of women, prevented the security forces from proceeding with the operation. The incident took place in Itham village, Imphal East, on June 24, 2023.
The KYKL cadres had been apprehended during a cordon and search operation based on specific intelligence input. The group had previously ambushed an Army convoy in Chandel district in 2015, resulting in the death of 18 personnel.
While the operation initially led to the successful apprehension of the 12 cadres, a mob of around 1,500 individuals, led by women and local leaders, surrounded the area and obstructed the security forces from continuing the operation. Despite appeals to allow the operation to proceed, the mob remained unyielding.
Considering the potential risks and casualties involved in using force against such a large and agitated mob, the decision was made to hand over the 12 cadres to the local leader. The Army withdrew its cordon, taking with them the recovered weapons and war-like stores seized from the insurgents.
In response to the incident, the Indian Army issued an appeal to the people of Manipur, urging them to assist the security forces in maintaining law and order to establish peace and stability in the region.
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The release of the KYKL cadres due to mob intervention raises concerns regarding the ability of the security forces to effectively carry out their operations and maintain law and order. The incident highlights the challenges faced by the authorities in dealing with extremist groups and the complex dynamics involved in such conflict-ridden areas.
Moving forward, it is crucial for the local communities and security forces to work together in addressing the issues of insurgency and maintaining peace. Constructive engagement and dialogue between the stakeholders can help in finding long-term solutions to mitigate the influence of extremist groups and promote stability in Manipur.
Ensuring the safety and security of the region requires a collaborative effort, where the public actively participates in assisting the security forces while also addressing the underlying causes that contribute to the growth of extremist ideologies. Only through collective action and a comprehensive approach can Manipur strive towards lasting peace and development.
