Imphal, Sept 24: Two major Kuki organizations in Manipur have declared a complete shutdown in Kuki-dominated regions on September 28, following government claims that 900 armed Kuki militants have entered the state from Myanmar to target Meitei communities.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) have strongly rejected these allegations, calling them false and accusing the government of using them as a justification for possible attacks on Kuki-Zo communities.
The intelligence report, cited by both the Manipur government and security advisor Kuldiep Singh, alleged that the militants were preparing for coordinated assaults on September 28. However, KIM dismissed the report as unfounded, arguing that it was an attempt to incite violence against their people.
In response, KIM has called for a total shutdown in all Kuki-populated areas on September 28 and advised residents to stay home, avoid travel, and remain vigilant. They also called on village volunteers to strengthen their positions in buffer zones due to concerns over potential attacks.
The ITLF also issued a statement urging Kuki-Zo residents to stay within their areas from September 26 to 29, announcing the closure of borders and suspending the operation of schools, institutions, and offices during this time. Medical teams have been asked to be on standby as a precaution.
Both groups have urged state and central security forces to maintain high alert in order to prevent any external threats, as tensions continue to simmer in Manipur following recent violence.
