Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh has directed security forces to identify armed groups allegedly involved in recent violence, warning of possible action under UAPA. Meanwhile, a shutdown in Kangpokpi continued over the killing of two Kuki youths.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has directed senior security officials to identify armed groups allegedly involved in recent incidents of violence against civilians, while excluding organisations currently engaged in peace negotiations with the state government. The Chief Minister has also warned that groups found responsible for attacks on innocent people could face action under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
According to an official from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the directive was issued during a high-level security review meeting chaired by Khemchand Singh at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Mantripukhri on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister instructed security agencies to identify armed outfits suspected of involvement in the recent violent incidents across the state. However, he clarified that organisations currently participating in peace talks with the state government should be excluded from the identification exercise.
Khemchand Singh directed the concerned security agencies to prepare and submit a detailed report on the alleged involvement of these groups at the earliest.
The Chief Minister further stated that if the investigation establishes the involvement of particular groups in violence against innocent civilians, the state Cabinet would be compelled to consider declaring those organisations unlawful.
He also made it clear that the government would initiate necessary action against any armed groups continuing to target the civilian population. According to the CMO official, such organisations could face legal proceedings under the provisions of the UAPA.
The meeting reviewed the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur and discussed measures to strengthen security arrangements and prevent further incidents of violence.
Several senior state and central security officials participated in the meeting. Those present included Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and Manipur Director General of Police Mukesh Singh.
General Officer Commanding of 3 Corps, Lieutenant General Girish Kalia, attended the meeting virtually. Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence/Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo and State Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar were also present.
Senior representatives of the Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Intelligence Bureau also participated in the security discussions.
Meanwhile, normal life remained disrupted in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district for the second consecutive day on Tuesday as a shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) continued in protest against the alleged failure of the state government to take action over the killing of two Kuki community youths.
According to a police official, shops, markets and commercial establishments remained closed across the district due to the shutdown. The protest also affected transportation and movement of goods.
Several goods-laden vehicles travelling towards Imphal through National Highway-2 (NH-2) were unable to enter Kangpokpi district and remained stranded in neighbouring Senapati district, which is predominantly inhabited by the Naga community.
Additional security personnel were deployed in the hill district to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain law and order during the shutdown.
CoTU, a prominent Kuki-Zo organisation, had called the protest to condemn what it described as the state government’s inaction following the killing of two Kuki civilians.
The two youths were identified as Tinginlun Chongloi, aged 21, and Paoginlal Hangshing, aged 20. They had reportedly gone missing on October 28, and their bodies were recovered on November 1 following multiple search operations.
Joint teams comprising Manipur Police, CRPF, CoBRA personnel, Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Assam Rifles conducted the search operations that led to the recovery of the bodies.
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The developments come amid continuing security and law-and-order challenges in Manipur, with the state government facing demands for stronger action against armed groups and improved protection for civilians.
The Chief Minister’s latest directive signals an intensified security review, with authorities expected to examine the findings of the investigation before deciding on further legal and administrative measures. Meanwhile, the continuing shutdown in Kangpokpi has highlighted public concerns over civilian security and accountability in the state.
