MMAB condemns recent surge of violence in Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 27 2024:
The Manipuri Meitei Association, Bangalore (MMAB) has strongly condemned the recent surge in violence and the series of attacks perpetrated by Kuki militants in and around the periphery of the Imphal valley.
According to a release issued by MMAB, the recent attacks came after a prolonged period of peace prior to the commencement of the 1st and 2nd phases of the 18th Lok Sabha Election in Manipur.
The MMAB also expressed grave concern over the emerging trend of targeting national assets and the National Highway, aiming to disrupt essential supplies to Manipur, particularly the Imphal valley and also driving propaganda of blaming Meitei.
The association mentioned that in the early hours of April 24, 2024, Kuki terrorists allegedly struck at the economic backbone of India's North Eastern state of Manipur by detonating an improvised explosive device (IED) on a bridge along National Highway-2 (Trans Asian Highway 1) .
"This malicious act severely severed crucial connectivity to the landlocked Imphal Valley.
Simultaneously, they perpetrated armed assaults for two consecutive days, pillaging Meitei villages at Awang Sekmai and hindering the movement of troops designated for election duties on April 26", it claimed.
The association also alleged that on April 27, in the Narainseina area under Moirang Police Station, Kuki militants killed two brave soldiers of CRPF soldiers (Sub Inspector N Sarkar and Head Constable Arup Saini) and injured two others (Inspector Jadav Das and Constable Aftab Hussain) in another bomb attack.
"This incident occurred while IRB and CRPF were deployed to safeguard Meitei villages from Kuki militants.
Subsequently, a significant cache of arms and ammunition was seized during a search operation in the Kuki village", it added.
The MMAB also pointed out that despite all these challenges, the elections in Manipur were remarkably successful, underscoring the resilient spirit of the populace.
Further, to restore peace in the State, the MMAB called for immediate disarmament of all Kuki militants and implored the Government of India to act promptly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators to justice in accordance with the law to prevent the recurrence of such heinous acts.