India’s northeastern state of Manipur has been placed on high alert due to intelligence reports suggesting a potential influx of 900 suspected Kuki militants from Myanmar. The state’s security adviser, Kuldiep Singh, revealed that various intelligence agencies have been informed and border police are on high alert, with combing operations underway in hill districts.
The warning comes amid ongoing violence between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities, driven by disputes over economic benefits and quotas. Since May 2023, the conflict has resulted in at least 237 deaths and displaced over 60,000 people.
The Kuki people, sharing ethnic ties with Myanmar’s Chin tribe, have denied involvement in recent attacks using explosives delivered by drones. Meitei protesters have demanded action against Kuki militants, leading to massive gatherings in Imphal.
In response to the unrest, the government revoked a visa-free movement policy along the 1,650-km porous border with Myanmar and plans to construct a border fence at a projected cost of 310 billion rupees. However, Kuki groups have criticized these measures due to their cross-border ties.
Manipur remains divided into Meitei-controlled valleys and Kuki-dominated hills, monitored by federal paramilitary forces.
