Kuki weapons under NIA, CBI scanner, says CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 04 2024: Chief Minister N Biren Singh has categorically stated that Kukis cannot deny use of sophisticated weapons in carrying out attacks on the Meeteis during the ongoing ethnic violence which broke out on May 3 last year.

However, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are investigating the matter to identify the same with concrete evidence.

Biren was responding to Congress MLA K Ranjit during Monday's session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly as the latter queried whether the government is aware of the type of weapons used by the Kuki militants and whether the forensic sciences team had come up with any findings.

In response, the CM said that while the investigation is underway, the details cannot be presented in the House as the matter is highly sensitive.

Supplementing his own question, MLA Ranjit said that it is known that Kukis are using sophisticated weapons to kill Meeteis.

Many Kukis have posed with such sophisticated weapons on social media to intimidate the Meeteis.

As such, he asked if it was not possible to apprehend them with the help of cybercrime and intelligence.

In addition, during the recent attack in Sugnu from February 14 to 20, Kukis used powerful weapons including MMGs to attack the areas within a 5km distance to kill the Meeteis.

Thus, he questioned why the state and central forces seem to have been prohibited from using suitable weapons to defend against such attacks.

Replying to the MLA, CM Biren said that as there are suspicions of Kukis using sophisticated weapons, the cases are being investigated by NIA.

However, as there is no concrete proof yet, it would be inappropriate to present the matter in the House.

Nonetheless, as there is a strong suspicion, forensic science teams have been despatched to study bullet holes and craters created by explosives/bombs and forward reports of the same to the central government.

Regarding the firing in Sugnu at night time, it is yet to be confirmed whether an MMG was used as another source conveyed that the MMG was used by security forces to expel Kuki militants.

However, paramilitary forces are currently investigating the matter at the highest level, he informed the house.

Ranjit then questioned why the centre and state are not dealing with the external/foreign aggression, the involvement of which was highlighted by the CM himself during a press conference and the union home minister as well.

In response, Biren said that security forces had been engaged since the conflict first broke out.

At present both state and central forces are prepared to deal with any event.

Central paramilitary and state forces are being jointly deployed in sensitive areas.

The central government takes loss of lives of civilians seriously and as such, has deployed the Gorkha Regiment and para commandos in Moreh.

Thus, he urged the people not to panic.

The CM further said that search operations are being continuously carried out in both the hill and valley.

While some people have been arrested and weapons recovered, others have been taken in by NIA and CBI for further investigation.

While mass search operations have not been carried out, the operations are becoming more stringent, he added.

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