Manipur Tension still continues between the Kuki and Meitei communities and there are reports that many terrorist groups have started becoming active again in the state. Security agencies have expressed fear of increasing tension again in Manipur. It is known that Manipur is burning in the fire of violence since May 3. More than 160 people have died so far in the violence. While thousands of people have been rendered homeless, they are forced to live in relief camps.
Terrorists associated with UNLF and PLA had opened fire on military officers.
Terrorists belonging to banned groups United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were reportedly part of a mob that opened fire on an army officer in Manipur. Central security agencies have now warned about the possibility of terrorists joining the crowd during any protest to escalate tensions in restive Manipur, officials said.
An army lieutenant colonel was injured in a clash between a group of people.
The warning comes after an army lieutenant colonel was injured last week during a confrontation with a group of people. The group had attempted to attack tribals in Molnoi village near Palel in Tengnoupal district, but was foiled by the Army and Assam Rifles. During the confrontation, a bullet hit the hand of Lieutenant Colonel Raman Tyagi, after which action was taken against the protesters who were adamant on marching towards the tribal village. Officials said Lieutenant Colonel Tyagi was airlifted from Manipur to Guwahati by helicopter, where he underwent surgery. He said that after investigating the incident, security agencies came to the conclusion that terrorists from banned groups were part of the protesting crowd.
Dormant terrorist groups are becoming active again
Officials said they had been warning about the reactivation of almost dormant banned groups such as UNLF, PLA, Kanglei Yawol Kanba Lup (KYKL) and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) in the state for the past few weeks. He said currently there are 330 cadres of UNLF, followed by 300 cadres of PLA and 25 cadres of KYKL, who are active within the groups of the majority community.
Cadres of banned organizations are getting tremendous support
The tremendous support that the cadres of these banned organizations are receiving was visible on June 24 when the Army and Assam Rifles, acting on specific intelligence, captured 12 KYKL members in East Imphal, including self-styled ‘Lieutenant Colonel’ Moirangthem Tamba alias Uttam. Included. Uttam was one of the main conspirators of the ambush attack on 6th Dogra Regiment in 2015. 18 army soldiers were killed in this attack. The UNLF has in the past been involved in large-scale extortion targeting contractors and traders. The PLA, which initially took shape under the name ‘Polei’, the ancient name of Manipur, reportedly aimed to liberate Manipur and establish an independent Meitei rule in the Imphal Valley.
KYKL raises money through extortion
KYKL raises money through extortion and openly supports other terrorist groups. It is considered a mercenary group, which has no ideology. PREPAK was banned by the government for its separatist ideology and the group primarily raises money through extortion from businessmen. This terrorist group is also involved in extortion on behalf of PLA and UNLF. This group, after keeping its share of the recovery amount, sends the remaining money to terrorist groups. Officials said that there is a possibility that the arms and ammunition looted from the Manipur Police armory may have reached these terrorist groups.
