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Time of India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
KNO commander, three others killed in Manipur ambush as civil society push for peace
Imphal: Four persons, including a deputy commander of a banned Kuki militant group, and a woman caught in a crossfire between two warring groups, were killed on Monday in Churachandpur district of Manipur, as violence returned to the northeastern state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The killings came on a day, three civil society groups from Manipur urged the Centre to take immediate steps to rehabilitate people hit by the ethnic violence and ensure security for farmers who have land in the vicinity of the Imphal valley. Thangboi Haokip, also known as "Thahpi", a deputy commander-in-chief of the Kuki National Organisation/Kuki National Army (KNO/KNA), was killed in a daylight ambush. The attack occurred in the Songpi area of Churachandpur district, sending shockwaves through the region. According to police, unidentified gunmen launched a close-range assault on a car carrying Haokip and his two bodyguards at around 2 pm. The ambush unfolded as the KNO/KNA leader was enroute to attend a funeral. Tragically, a woman passing by on her way to the fields from her home was struck by a stray bullet during the attack. She later succumbed to her injuries at the Churachandpur district hospital, adding to the day's grim toll. The two bodyguards accompanying Haokip, identified as Gaogao Singson and Saijin Haokip, were also killed instantly in the attack. The loss of these lives underscores the severity of the incident. Thangboi Haokip, a key figure in the KNA, a group under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the govt of India, was a significant player in the region's delicate peace process. "His death is expected to have far-reaching implications, potentially destabilizing the fragile peace maintained under the SoO framework," one official said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The United Kuki National Army (UKNA) claimed responsibility for the attack, citing it as retaliation for the killing of their town commander and PRO in October last year. In a statement released in the Kuki dialect, the UKNA accused Haokip of being a govt informant and alleged his involvement in the deaths of over 30 people. This incident has heightened tensions between the rival groups, fuelling suspicion and deepening hostilities among the local population. In a swift response, security forces were deployed to the area to assess the situation and prevent any further escalation of violence. As the region grapples with the aftermath of this high-profile killing, the potential for further conflict looms large. Authorities are on high alert, and the situation remains tense as investigations continue. Beginning May 3, 2023, more than 250 civilians have died in ethnic clashes and valuable properties destroyed, though various steps have been taken up to curb the violence. Manipur is currently under President's rule and the past BJP govt members are trying to push for the reinstatement of elected govt rule in the state. During the day, a 19-member delegation comprising members of the three groups -- Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) and Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) met representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi. While the Kuki-Zo have been asking for a separate homeland, the Meitei groups say the territorial integrity of the state is non-negotiable in the peace initiative.
New Indian Express
30-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
MHA holds talks with Meitei CSOs to discuss ways to resolve Manipur ethnic conflict
NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday held the third round of talks with a joint delegation of Manipur valley-based Meitei Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). According to sources, the deliberations concluded on a positive note. The sources said the delegation had come with a four-point declared agenda, and they stood firm on it. They also said to the MHA representatives that the time has come now for action rather than talks. The 19-member delegation included seven representatives each from the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), and five from the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS). From the MHA side, four senior officials, including interlocutor AK Mishra, Joint Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB) Rajesh Kamle and Sunil Kumar, and Rahul PR, both Superintendent of Police in the IB, participated in the meeting, which was held in two sessions. The sources said that the morning session took place from 11.30 am to 2 pm, during which three main points were discussed and in the afternoon session, which was held between 2.55 pm and 3. 25 pm, two additional issues were discussed. The CSO delegation brought forward critical concerns such as the security and livelihood of farmers in vulnerable fringe areas, the reopening of blocked National and State Highways, and the proper rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at their original places of residence. The sources said that the MHA responded positively to the delegation's demands. However, the CSO leaders stressed that only concrete implementation would determine whether the dialogue translates into real progress for the people of Manipur. Meanhile, COCOMI coordinator Khuraijam Athouba has reportedly said that the meeting discussed pressing issues affecting peace and stability in the state. Another COCOMI leader said that they urged the MHA to introduce the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur to identify illegal immigrants to protect indigenous people. During the meeting, the CSOs reiterated their rejection of the legitimacy of militant outfits under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) and engaging with the innocent Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi-Hmar civilians, the sources said. The sources said that the MHA is also scheduled to hold a separate dialogue with Kuki armed groups under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement on July 4.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Home ministry holds talks with Meitei groups to resolve the Manipur crisis
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A fresh round of dialogue between the officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and members of a joint delegation of leading Meitei-based Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) was held in New Delhi on Monday to resolve the ethnic crisis in Manipur A 19-member delegation of three CSOs -- All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) – held a discussion with four MHA officials led by A.K. Mishra, Advisor to the MHA on Northeast Director, MHA Rajesh Kamble, Sunil Kumar and Rahul P.R., both Superintendent of Police, IB, also attended the meeting, held in two coordinator Khuraijam Athouba said that the meeting discussed pressing issues affecting peace and stability in the state. Another COCOMI leader said that they urged the MHA to introduce the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur to identify illegal immigrants and protect indigenous delegation conveyed the strong sentiments and demands of the people regarding May 20, the Gwaltabi issue , when some security personnel in Imphal East district reportedly instructed the media team to hide the 'Manipur State Transport Corporation' signage in front of the bus carrying 20 journalists and some Information Department officials. The CSOs also demanded adequate security for the farmers and to start the free movement of people across the CSOs reiterated their rejection of the legitimacy of militant outfits under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) and engaging with the innocent Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi-Hmar civilians who are the genuine citizens of the state shall be handled accordingly after sorting out the anti-peace elements. United Peoples' Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO), which are conglomerates of 23 underground outfits, signed an SoO with the Central government on August 22, 2008, and then there are 2,266 Kuki cadres who have been staying in different designated camps in discussions between the MHA officials and three CSOs centred around restoring normalcy, ensuring public safety, and addressing long-standing grievances over the Centre's perceived inaction. Monday's engagement is seen as a renewed initiative to bridge differences through dialogue. It follows months of memoranda, protests, and appeals submitted by the civil society said that the MHA is also scheduled to hold a separate dialogue with Kuki armed groups under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement on July 4. The MHA officials earlier also held discussions separately with the Meitei CSOs and various organisations of the Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribal organisations.
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Business Standard
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Manipur tense after CBI arrest of Meitei group member; curfew reimposed
Fresh violence erupted in Manipur on Sunday following the arrest of a senior member of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol, prompting authorities to reimpose curfews and suspend internet services across several districts to prevent further unrest. According to Hindustan Times, the tensions began after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Kanan Singh, a former Manipur Police head constable, for his alleged role in last year's ethnic violence. The CBI confirmed that Singh was transferred to Guwahati and will be produced in court for remand. Four of his associates were also detained. The arrests triggered immediate backlash. Angry protesters set vehicles ablaze, blocked roads with burning debris, and clashed with security forces in multiple locations. In defiance of prohibitory orders, demonstrators torched a police post in Yairipok, burned tyres, and dug up roads to hinder security movement. Security forces responded with tear gas shells, leaving at least 11 people injured, news agency PTI reported. A bus belonging to central forces was also set on fire in Imphal East district. The Meitei outfit named Arambai Tenggol, to which Singh is linked, demanded the immediate release of all detained members and announced a 10-day state-wide shutdown. The group has previously faced allegations of inciting violence, including the abduction of a senior police officer last year—although Singh was later released unharmed. Why were curbs reimposed in Manipur? To curb further escalation, authorities suspended broadband and mobile data services in Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, and Bishnupur districts. Citing security concerns, officials said the step was necessary as 'anti-social elements might use social media' to fuel tensions. A curfew was reimposed in Bishnupur for the first time in 2025, while movement was restricted in other valley districts. In response to the developments, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla convened emergency meetings with top security officials and a delegation of 25 MLAs, including Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, to review the situation. BJP MLA L Ibomcha said the Governor acknowledged the group's role in flood relief and assured that the administration was not targeting Arambai Tenggol. Have arrests deepened Manipur's unrest? Meanwhile, Congress MLA Okram Surjakumar criticised the arrests, saying they had 'fuelled unrest' and demanded greater transparency from authorities. 'If authorities plan to arrest someone, then there must be a public clarification. We must remain united and focus on restoring peace in the state,' he told Hindustan Times. The renewed unrest comes ahead of a scheduled meeting in Delhi between the Ministry of Home Affairs and Kuki-Zo militant groups under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement. The pact has been on hold since last year following allegations of Kuki militant involvement in the ethnic violence. A Kuki representative, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed hope for 'fruitful discussions' regarding a renewal of the agreement. What's prolonging Manipur's crisis? Manipur has been grappling with recurring violence since May 2023, when ethnic clashes broke out between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities over tribal status demands. More than 250 lives have been lost and thousands displaced. Communities remain divided into strongholds, with road blockades and parallel administration zones becoming the norm. The state has been under President's rule since February 2025, after former Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned amid criticism over his inability to control the violence. The ongoing crisis continues to draw national attention, with opposition parties questioning the Centre's response. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, notably, has yet to visit the state since the conflict began.
