The Kuki-Zo Council declared a day-long shutdown across the hill areas of Manipur on Tuesday, mourning those who were recently killed in the ongoing unrest. As tensions continue in the region, Indian security forces have conducted a series of raids across multiple districts in the state, recovering weapons, explosives, and ammunition from various locations.
In a coordinated, week-long operation, the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police successfully retrieved military-grade arms in both hill and valley regions, including the districts of Imphal West, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Bishnupur, Tengnoupal, and Kakching.
Acting on intelligence, security forces launched a targeted operation in Samukom Village, Tengnoupal District, on November 4, seizing large Pompi guns, grenades, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and ammunition. Similar raids in the Thanjing ridge area of Churachandpur resulted in the recovery of homemade rockets, mortars, and other weapons. In the Uyok area of Bishnupur District, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police also retrieved an SLR rifle, a .303 rifle, and grenades.
On November 8, security forces seized a carbine machine gun, grenade launcher, and a 9mm pistol during a search in Imphal West District’s Thingom area. This was followed by a raid near LKhonomphai village in Sangaikot, Churachandpur District, on November 9, where additional arms, including rifles and pistols, were confiscated. The next day, a joint team of Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and BSF recovered a .22 rifle and ammunition during a search in Kakching District’s Utangpokpi.
In a violent clash on Monday in Jiribam District, 11 Kuki militants were killed following an attack on a CRPF camp. According to sources, militants launched the assault at around 3:30 p.m., leaving one CRPF jawan critically injured as paramilitary forces retaliated. The local police described the attackers as "armed militants," who engaged in heavy gunfire for approximately 45 minutes before security forces gained control of the situation.
Krishna Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Jiribam District, stated that central security forces acted in response to an attack on a police station. However, the Hmar Students' Association, representing the Hmar sub-group of the Kuki community, accused federal and state forces, along with Meitei militants, of orchestrating a "premeditated massacre" of Kuki "village volunteers."
The situation in Manipur has remained tense since May 2023, as the state has been effectively divided into two ethnic enclaves: a Meitei-controlled valley and Kuki-dominated hills. Federal paramilitary forces monitor a no-man's land that separates these areas. The conflict has led to the deaths of over 250 individuals and the displacement of approximately 60,000 residents.
The Kuki-Zo Council’s shutdown is a response to the escalating violence and ongoing operations. The recent operations underscore the determination of Indian security forces to restore order in Manipur, even as tensions between ethnic groups continue to disrupt the region.