IMPHAL: Ten tribal Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from Manipur have collectively voiced their apprehension over the "unprofessional conduct and inhumane excesses" of the state forces against civilians in Moreh town. This statement comes in the wake of the recent killing of a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) in the area.
In their joint statement, these legislators, who belong to the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar community, expressed condolences for the loss of the SDPO in the line of duty. However, they emphasized the ongoing excesses and atrocities committed by state forces in Moreh and other locations within Tengnoupal district, based on ground reports.
The MLAs alleged that state forces engaged in acts such as arson, indiscriminate firing, looting of civilian properties and vehicles, and unprovoked brutality, which led to the displacement of common people.
Officials, responding to these allegations, asserted that the operations in Moreh were conducted without violating civilian rights and involved joint efforts by state and central forces.
The incident that sparked these developments involved the shooting death of Moreh SDPO Chingtham Anand on October 31 by tribal militants during an inspection of a newly constructed helipad at the Eastern ground in the border town. Following this event, an operation was initiated to apprehend the militants.
Concurrently, the tribal MLAs joined Kuki organizations based in Moreh in requesting the central government to intervene and ensure the removal of state forces from Moreh and other Kuki-Zomi-Hmar tribal areas. They recommended the deployment of neutral central forces instead.
A separate incident occurred when a large group of individuals attacked a camp of the 1 Manipur Rifles in Imphal, leading to security personnel firing several rounds in the air.
The state of Manipur has experienced recurring episodes of violence since the onset of ethnic clashes in May, resulting in over 180 casualties. These clashes have originated from various grievances between different communities, with the pivotal issue being the attempt to grant Meiteis Scheduled Tribe status, which has since been rescinded.
Also Watch: