Condemnation of Armed Attacks by Cross-border Kuki Terrorists at Moreh Town
Ref. No.: 20240118 Press
Press statement, Thursday, 18th January 2024
Meitei Alliance strongly condemns the armed attack on police personnel and civil installations by Kuki terrorists in India’s strategic border town Moreh and calls for Urgent and Strong actions from Central Armed Forces against the Kuki militants.
In a heinous act, heavily armed Kuki terrorists launched a brutal attack on Manipur Police in Moreh, resulting in the tragic loss of two policemen and six injured, along with severe damage to public properties on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
Moreh has been an important international police out-post of Manipur ever since the British ceded Kabow Valley (now in Myanmar’s Sagaing subdivision) to Burma (now Myanmar) in 1834. As road transport developed, it gradually became a full-fledged town in the 20th century inhabited by traders from multiple communities including Meitei, Tamil, Malayalee, Tangkhul, Maring, Gurkha, etc.
As Moreh became prosperous, Kuki infiltrators from Myanmar gradually settled and increased their number with the ambition to take control of the town and trade. Between 1992-97 they violently displaced Tangkhul, Maring, Moyon, and Anal from Moreh and nearby areas. In 1995 they attacked Tamil. From 2006 onwards they started attacking Meitei. On 3rd May 2023 they violently displaced Meitei from Moreh.
The minorities in Moreh have been appealing for the rule of law to ensure security of life, protection of property, and the restoration and prosperity of border trade. As a result, the Government of Manipur have deployed additional police personnel to help the civil administration in maintaining peace and tranquillity. But the Kuki CSOs along with Kuki terrorists have been against this and have constantly targeted the police. Such attacks by Kuki terrorists began with the killing of a police officer on 31st October 2023, followed by attacks on 30th and 31st December 2023, and 2nd and 7th January 2024. The recent attack on 17th is a continuation of this offensive campaign, aimed at overpowering the police outpost and controlling Moreh. So far, in these attacks, 3 security personnel have been killed and 17 wounded.
Despite the violation of the controversial Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement since 2008, the Central Government has remained passive. Questions arise about the Central Government’s silence on SoO violations and the alleged partisan stance of some military forces.
Videos have also surfaced showing Kuki terrorists openly blocking and threatening Assam Rifles soldiers. The lack of reaction raises concerns about the Central Government’s responsibility to protect Manipur from illegal immigration and terrorism.
Given the challenging terrain and gravity of the attacks, we urge the Central Government to provide air cover and support from the Army and Paramilitary Forces to help Manipur Police defend Moreh, India’s gateway town to Eastern and Southeast Asian countries. We call upon all Indigenous and peace-loving citizens to unite against transnational Kuki terrorism and save Manipur.
Yours sincerely,
Media Coordinator, Meitei Alliance