Rejection of the Peace Talks while Violence Increases in Manipur
Featured image: police dispatched in Manipur. Source: Al Jazeera
On 3rd September we reported on several actions against the Indian Reserve Battalion done allegedly by Kukis where the use of drones, mortars and rifles was seen. In that article we reported on the confiscation of several rifles, and this situation continued on 5th of September, when groups tried to confiscate more weapons from 2nd and 7th Manipur Rifles Camps in Imphal.
Today September 8, it was reported that in Jiribam, district of Manipur, six people died due to the continuation of the escalation of violence. Five people have died in a gunfight. Also it was reported the death of a 63-year-old man after an attack in Nungchappi village, allegedly done by insurgents.
Due to the increase of violence, Jiribam, the Superintendent of Police, together with a police unity was dispatched in the area but received the rejection of the masses by gunfire. According to the police, they “retaliated strongly and controlled the firing”.
It is known that in Jiribam is where the peace negotiation talks take place, but the Churachandpur-based groups are against these talks because none of the participants represent their interests but following directives of Manipur Chief Minister, N Biren Singh. But this is not the only group that do not recognize the peace negotiations. The Hmar Inpui organization declared that it will not recognize this talks for the same reason: the interests of Kukis are not represented in those.
Also it is reported that the police are increasing their violence against the people. For example the Assam Rifles are using anti-drones systems and conducting patrols with army helicopters. In addition to this combined operations in hills and valley regions, they use social media to identify those who protest. This measures are taken after the first ever seen use of a remote-controlled drone as a weapon on September 1st. Despite the new deployment of security forces and the new technological equipment, the police suffered wounded during confrontations and two police officers, including an inspector, are hospitalized.
