Manipur: Meitei women group frees 11 men detained by Army
A women-led group known as "Meira Paibis" confronted the Indian Army and forced the release of 11 miscreants who had been detained with arms and ammunition in Manipur's Bishnupur district on Tuesday. The incident occurred during early morning patrolling in the Kumbi area, when two SUVs were intercepted by Army forces from the 2 Mahar regiment. "Upon seeing the Army personnel, the occupants of the two vehicles fled, leaving behind their arms," an official stated, according to PTI.
Detainees found with weapons
The Army seized three AKs, five INSAS, two SLR (9 magazines and 180 ammunition), two hand grenades, among others, from the miscreants' possession. Shortly after, "Meira Paibis" arrived at the scene and asked that the weapons be turned over to them. The Army fired in the air to scare off the crowd but failed. When state police learned of the event, they hurried to the scene, and the Army later agreed to turn over the weaponry to the police.
Security forces respond, legal action underway
In a statement, the Manipur Police said the recovered weapons and ammunition were kept in safe custody. The mob was also dispersed, and the situation was brought under control, it added. Jaya Khagenbam, a leader of the protestors, told PTI that confiscating weapons from village volunteers guarding a fringe area like Kumbi leaves them exposed to possible attacks by armed militants from adjacent hill areas of Churachandpur district.
Incident not related to April 27 attack
The Manipur Police, however, clarified that these individuals were not connected to an incident on April 27 at Naranseina where two CRPF personnel were killed. The attack by armed militants in Bishnupur also left two others injured. The Manipur Police told ANI that Kuki militants were behind the attack. Top police sources said that militants hiding in the hills are likely to increase attacks in the coming days with the first anniversary of the start of the Manipur crisis approaching.
Manipur marred by violence since last year
Manipur has been witnessing ethnic clashes between the majority Meiteis and tribal Kukis since May 3 of last year. The violence was preceded by a high court order directing the state government to consider including the Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list. More than 200 people have died as a result of the violence. Meiteis accounts for 60% of the population and is largely concentrated in the Imphal Valley. In comparison, tribal-dominated hill areas reportedly cover 90% of Manipur.
