Manipur CM holds security review after killings in Kangpokpi and Ukhrul
The meeting follows two separate incidents that resulted in the deaths of five people over the last two days.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand chaired a security review meeting on Saturday at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Babupara, Imphal, to assess the state's law and order situation, according to the Hindustan Times. The meeting was called after killings occurred at Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district and an ambush at New Heaven in Ukhrul district on Friday.
The review addressed recent violence where five people were killed. On Thursday, a woman from the Kuki community died during an armed attack at Taphou Kuki village. On Friday, four civilians from the Naga community were killed in an ambush at New Heaven village in Ukhrul district, along National Highway 202.
During the meeting, attendees decided to continue combing operations to catch those responsible for various crimes. It was also agreed that security personnel at various posts would enhance security measures within their jurisdictions and in vulnerable areas.
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) issued a three-day ultimatum to the state and central governments to remove all Kuki militants from Naga areas. The TNL also demanded the case be handed to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and stated it had lost faith in central security forces.
Separately, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Manipur Police regarding alleged ethnic bias in reporting. The KIM claimed the police failed to identify perpetrators in the death of a Kuki woman but identified attackers in a case involving a Tangkhul Naga civilian.
The KIM has demanded an internal investigation and a public explanation, warning it would pursue legal remedies and stop cooperating with the police in Kuki areas if demands are not met within 72 hours.