Search Operations in Manipur — Kukis Allege Media Bias: Misreporting of Weapons Seized from Village Volunteers, Truth Concealed

Imphal— In a determined effort to bolster security, security forces have launched extensive search operations in the sensitive hill and valley districts of Manipur. These proactive measures have led to the recovery of a long-range mortar (pumpy) along with a live shell in Churachandpur district.

The operations ensured the safe movement of 319 and 184 vehicles on National Highways 37 and 2, respectively, facilitating the transportation of essential goods. To maintain security, stringent protocols were enforced, including convoys escorting vehicles through sensitive areas to ensure smooth passage.

A total of 125 checkpoints and roadblocks were established across various districts, resulting in the detention of 68 individuals for various violations. These strict security measures are initiatives toward maintaining peace and stability in Manipur.

In Churachandpur, a tribal-dominated hill area approximately 63 km from the capital Imphal, the Young Vaiphei Association (YVA) has converted an old boys' hostel into a relief camp near the IB Road District Hospital.

Jerry, a volunteer at this relief camp, told The Mooknayak that the army, in collaboration with the Manipur police, conducts search operations at various locations, mostly during the night or early morning. During these operations, they often apprehend village volunteers (armed individuals guarding tribal areas) and claim to find arms with them.

Regarding the recently seized mortar, Jerry explained that it is man-made, likely created by local people. Due to the lack of funds to purchase sophisticated weapons, local mechanics make these themselves, primarily to protect themselves and their communities.

Last August, during a ground report by The Mooknayak, Jerry had shown us a licensed gun he possessed. He explained, “As village volunteers, we keep arms to protect ourselves from animal attacks since we live in hilly areas. We have licenses for these arms. However, since the violence started, many of our licensed arms have been seized by the police and have not yet been returned.”

He mentioned, “However, there are many militant groups in our areas with weapons. Across Manipur, there are over 40 such groups, each with approximately 50 to 100 members. However, these groups, the Kuki-Zo community members, and the central government had a peace agreement about seven years ago, in 2015, which prevents them from taking any action against the central government. The central government has complete details of these groups.”

“After the peace agreement with the militant groups in the Kuki areas, we have no one to protect us, so we have to prepare village volunteers.”

“Many times, during these operations, the weapons of our village volunteers have also been seized, which has been used as propaganda in the media. The media reports that these arms were found with the Kuki people, but the truth behind this is not revealed,” Jerry said.

Jerry accused, “Meanwhile, in the Meitei areas, groups like Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun roam among the public with fully automatic weapons. The weapons they have are company-made, including AK-47s and machine guns. Anyone can see these things on their social media accounts.”