Complicity of N. Biren Singh-led Govt in ethnic violence exposed once again

The nature of three Kuki civilians who were ambushed and killed at point-blank by the Meitei armed

men in Police Commando fatigue in Manipur's Kanggui (Kangpokpi) district on Tuesday morning clearly suggests that the perpetrators in the ethnic cleansing against the Kuki people are sponsored by N. Biren Singh-led government.

According to reports, atleast nine men, wearing Police Commando uniform, launched the attack on Tuesday morning in the interior part of the peripheral areas, crossing the buffer zones manned by central security forces and State police. The nature of the attack and speed with which it was carried out suggest that the killers were trained in using automatic weapons, perhaps from the banned terrorist organisations based in Imphal valley. An image of the crime scene, which went viral on social media, clearly indicates that the assailants wore Police Commando uniform with sophisticated weapons.

The three men were killed on a muddy road near Kangchup, which was carved out by the local people as highway and alternative route remained blocked by the Meiteis after violence erupted on May 3. The incident took place at around 6.30 a.m. between Ireng Naga and Kharam Vaiphei Kuki villages. They were on their way to the district headquarters, Kanggui (Kangpokpi), for medical aid and buying essential items.

Earlier, The Hindu newspaper had reported that armed men in police uniforms are a constant challenge for the Central security forces in violence-hit Manipur. There have been several instances of uniformed men carrying automatic weapons, firing at security forces deployed in buffer zones, preceded by blockade and protest by women-led groups.