The Indian Army has accused women activists of deliberately blocking routes and interfering in security operations in Manipur, where violence has escalated. The Army’s Spears Corps took to Twitter to share a video of such incidents, referring to them as unwarranted interference that hinders timely responses by the security forces. The Army has urged people to support its efforts to restore peace in Manipur, where inter-ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities has led to more than 100 deaths so far. KYKL, a Meitei militant group involved in multiple attacks in the area, escaped the Army’s clutches in a recent standoff in Itham, a village in Imphal East district. Local officials intervened, citing the sensitivity of using force against a large mob led by women.
In May, clashes began after a Tribal Solidarity March was held in Manipur’s hill districts to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for about 53% of the state’s population and reside mainly in the Imphal Valley, while Tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40% live predominantly in the hill districts. The Army has appealed to the public to help to help Manipur achieve peace. Manipur is located in India’s northeastern region and is bordered by Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south, and Assam to the west. It shares an international border with Myanmar to the east.
