Security officials refute claims of 'trained' Kuki militants infiltrating Manipur
Manipur's Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and Director General of Police Rajiv Singh have disputed a claim made by the chief minister's office (CMO) about the infiltration of "over 900 Kuki militants" from Myanmar into Manipur. The intelligence report, which was leaked on September 17, suggested that these militants were organized into units of 30 and scattered on the periphery. They were also allegedly preparing for multiple coordinated attacks on Meitei villages around September 28.
Security forces on high alert, CMO retracts statement
On September 20, Singh informed reporters that security agencies, particularly the Assam Rifles, were on high alert in hill districts bordering Myanmar following this intelligence input. The report alleged that the militants were "newly trained in drone-based bombs, projectiles, missiles, and jungle warfare." However, this claim faced backlash from Kuki-Zo groups who accused him of promoting "devious propaganda to defame the Kuki-Zo people."
Kuki groups respond to infiltration claims
On Wednesday evening, both top security officials issued a clarification stating that "the input was verified from different quarters but could not be substantiated on the ground." In the aftermath, several Kuki groups in Manipur have called for a shutdown in tribal-dominated areas. Two Kuki apex bodies declared a total shutdown in all Kuki-inhabited regions and issued a public response to the intelligence report referenced by State Security Advisor Singh, asserting that the claim was baseless.
Kuki groups call for shutdown, express concerns
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), claimed that the statement was completely false and allegedly fabricated by the Manipur government to justify a planned attack on the Kuki-Zo community. They urged all Kukis to stay home and avoid traveling or working on September 27 and 28, expressing concern that coordinated attacks might be launched on September 28 targeting Kuki areas.
