Imphal - The Indian Army has called for cooperation from agitated women activists who are intentionally blocking routes and interfering with security forces' operations in violence-hit Manipur. The Army has labeled this action by the activists as "unwarranted interference" that hampers the prompt response of the security forces. Late on Monday, the Army's Spears Corps shared a video on Twitter showcasing such incidents.
This appeal from the Indian Army comes after a standoff between the Army and a mob led by women in Itham village, Imphal East, which forced the forces to release 12 militants who had taken shelter there. The Army tweeted, "Women activists in #Manipur are deliberately blocking routes and interfering in operations of security forces. Such unwarranted interference is detrimental to the timely response by security forces during critical situations to save lives and property. Indian Army appeals to all sections of the population to support our endeavors in restoring peace. Help us to Help Manipur."
According to officials, the standoff in Itham village lasted throughout Saturday and was resolved through a "mature decision" made by the operational commander. Media reports suggest that twelve members of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), a Meitei militant group involved in various attacks, including the ambush of a 6 Dogra unit in 2015, were present in the village. The security personnel departed with seized arms and ammunition.
So far, the ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur has resulted in the loss of more than 100 lives. The clashes initially erupted on May 3 following a "Tribal Solidarity March" organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.