Manipur: Police deny allegations of security forces collaborating with militants

Manipur Police rejected the Kuki organization’s allegations that security forces had collaborated with insurgent groups in Moreh town, where incidents of violence were reported recently.

Moreh is a town bordering Myanmar and the state government alleges that unruly people from the neighboring country are creating trouble in the northeastern state.

“The allegation by Committee of Tribal Unity (COTU) and Kuki Impi Manipur regarding collaboration with valley-based insurgent groups and Meitei militants in the guise of security forces in Moreh is not true. The allegations are baseless and misleading,” the police said in a statement.

On January 17, two police commandos were killed in terrorist attacks in Moreh, while several others were injured.

Kuki organizations alleged that the surrendered Valley-based rebels were allowed to “mix and mingle freely” with the state police.

Manipur has been rocked by ethnic conflict since May last year that has left more than 180 people dead.

Violence broke out on May 3 after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

The Meiteis constitute about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while the tribals, including the Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and live mainly in the hill districts.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)