A chronological report on Manipur violence 2023 from May 3
- Part 5 -

Takhellambam Geetchandra Meitei *

24th June 2023 : “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been constantly monitoring the Manipur situation since day one and guiding us with full sensitivity to find solution to the problem” said the Union Home Minister Amit Shah at an all political party meeting at New Delhi. Mr. Shah further state that “1800 looted weapons were surrendered so far, no death since 13 June, Manipur is slowly returning to normal”.

Eighteen political parties, 4 MPs from North East and 2 Chief Ministers from the region attended the meeting. BJP President JP Nadda expressed “all possible steps are been taken up by the centre to find a solution, Manipur issue is rooted in many historical factors which have also led to the current flare up”.

25th June 2023 : “Amid Shah deeply concerned with the violence in valley districts” said the Chief Minister N. Biren Singh at Press Conference held at Imphal International Airport at returning from Delhi after meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Biren further stated “Amit Shah reportedly assured he would take care of the attacks carried out by militants at peripheral (nearby hill) areas”.

A man sustained bullet injury when Kuki militants opened fire towards Tangjeng Khunjao area of Kakching District. Security forces recovered three 51 mortar shells, three 84mm mortar shells and several explosive materials during search operations at Zou Veng and Nazareth areas of Sugnu.

26th June 2023 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a stocktaking meeting on Manipur violence with Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri as well as high ranking officials in New Delhi.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge told media “Home minister Amit Shah had finally spoken to Modi about the situation of NE state and for the last 55 days, Modiji did not say a word on Manipur, every Indian is waiting for him to speak”.

Unknown miscreants set on fire a car parked near the entrance of NCRT Office at Naoremthong, Imphal West District. State Police recovered Arms & ammunition from 4 persons residing at Kairang Muslim Awang Leikai, Khomidok Sorok Mapal, Heikrumakhong Kewa Makhong, Imphal East District.

A combined team of Manipur Police Commandos and 16 Jat Regiment conducted search operation at Kairang Awang Leikai, Khomidok and Heikrumakhong and arrested 4 other persons suspected to be involved in illegal arms trade.

Angry local of Kairang Muslim Awang Leikai, Imphal East District dismantled and burnt down of two persons who have been accused of selling guns to Kukis. Kuki militants fired 6/7 rounds towards Phoubakchao Ikhai Awang Maning Leikai, Bishnupur District but the security forces did not fire back.

27th June 2023 : Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has issued instructions to the Chief Secretaries of Manipur and Mizoram to collect the biographic and biometric details of illegal immigrants found entering the two states. The Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur District Dharun Kumar stated 108 relief camps were opened at Churachandpur District, nearly 20,000 displaced persons are currently taking shelter in relief camps.

28th June 2023 : Kuki militants fired at farmers at Phubala, Bishnupur District, one semi-pucca farm house belonging to the Meitei community was burnt at an area near Singgeirok bordering Langchingmanbi Reserved Forest. Kuki militants reportedly present at Chingyan-thel between Haotak Khullen and Chingfei Ching fired several rounds of bullets at farmer.

The farmers had gone to Phubala Maning High Canal to bring water for irrigation when they were fired at indiscriminately by Kuki militants who built bunkers in the area, said the reports. Later, a large number of womenfolk from Phubala, Sunsiphai, Naranseina, Moirang and Thinungei stormed the area and confronted with Central forces for doing nothing even firing to civilians.

29th June 2023 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived at Imphal on 2 day visit to observe ground situation of Manipur. After landing at Imphal Airport a convoy of Rahul Gandhi moves toward Churachandpur by-road to meet displaced people were stopped by State Police in front of Bishnupur Police Station. The convoy was accompanied by Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, MPCC President K. Meghachandra and other leaders of congress.

Large numbers of people of Bishnupur stormed the area and demanded to allow Rahul’s convoy move ahead. Police fired Tear gases to disperse the mob. Later, Rahul returned towards Imphal and took a helicopter to reach Churachanpur. Two volunteers guarding Meitei villages at Senjam Chirang were killed and seven others sustain injured in an attack using sophisticated weapons and bombs by suspected Kuki militants.

Kuki militants attack continued at Khurkhul Maning Leikai, Chirang, Haraothel in Imphal West District. The lifeless body of one Waikhom Nilachandra killed in Senjam Chirang gunfight brought to Khwairamband Keithel, Imphal and paid tributes by large numbers of people. Police fired tear gas canisters and stun grenades to disperse the people and shifted the body to JNIMS Morgue.

30th June 2023 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met Governor Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhawan to bring peace in Manipur. Rahul also met the representatives of COCOMI, UNC, STDCM, prominent personalities including JNU Professor Bimol Akoijam and listened their problems. The rioters burnt two waste collection vehicles which were parked on the side of Keishamthong, Imphal West District was set on fire.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has decided to go to the Raj Bhawan to tender his resignation to the Governor. A large numbers of women blocked CM Gate, demanded “not to step down”. Later, the Meira Paibis snatched the resignation letter and tore it.

Concluded ...