Naoton Ajmir: In a recent development, the Indian border town of Moreh, situated in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district, has become a focal point for armed militants hailing from the Chin Kuki communities of both India and Myanmar. Reports indicate that the Kuki National Front (KNF), which is under Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Indian Government, is engaged in joint military training with the Chin Kuki Defence Force (CKDF) of Myanmar at three different locations in Moreh.
Moreh has been severely affected by the ongoing conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur’s Churachandpur district. In the aftermath of this conflict, Kuki-backed armed militants, operating under the SoO, forcibly displaced Meitei residents from Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Moreh by vandalizing and burning their homes. Even after five months, Meitei settlers in Moreh still reside in relief camps in Imphal, as returning to their homes with Kuki militants freely moving in Moreh poses significant risks.
Today, three militants were apprehended while attempting to loot abandoned Meitei residences in Moreh near the District Hospital. The police identified them as Burmese nationals, raising concerns about cross-border activities.
Despite claims by the Chief Minister of Manipur and state police efforts to restore peace, the Kuki community has hindered the deployment of state police officers in Moreh. The presence of the state police is restricted by Central forces, particularly the Assam Rifles, citing concerns that their presence might exacerbate the ongoing violence.
Approximately three kilometers from the 5 Assam Rifles post in Moreh lies Sahei village, where insider information suggests that the KNF and CKDF militants are conducting military training. State police are denied entry to the village by the Assam Rifles. Similar training camps are reported to be established at Champa, Thangcham, Minou, and Boljang, with state police encountering restrictions at all these locations.
In a peculiar incident, 27 special commandos of the state police were dropped at the KLP camp of Assam Rifles near Kondong Lairembi on October 14. However, they were prevented from proceeding by around 50 individuals from the Kuki community in front of the Assam Rifles gate. Subsequent attempts by state police to retrieve them on October 16 were unsuccessful for undisclosed reasons, leaving the 27 special commandos at the KLP camp.
Moreover, state police commandos who are already in Moreh are also restricted from entering Kuki-inhabited areas. It’s worth noting that the armed group from Myanmar, known as the Chin Kuki Defence Force (CKDF), is engaged in armed conflict against the government of Myanmar, while Kuki militants, particularly the Kuki National Front, also operate in parts of Chin state in Myanmar. The situation in Moreh remains complex and poses a significant challenge for local authorities seeking to restore peace in the region.
