On 31st October 2023, a tragic incident occurred where Moreh Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Chingtham Anand Kumar, who was responsibly overseeing the grounds of Eastern Shine School for helipad construction, unfortunately, became a victim of a firing incident caused by armed Kuki miscreants. The Manipur Police strongly condemns this cowardly act.
The unfortunate incident took place in Moreh, a bustling border town in Tengnoupal district. It transpired when Kumar, who is not only the officer-in-charge of Moreh police station but also resides near the India-Myanmar border, was targeted by a sniper rifle from a significant distance. Despite receiving prompt medical care, he tragically lost his life while being airlifted to Imphal.
Unfortunately, there has been a distressing development as a reinforcement team was travelling to Moreh. They faced additional violence in Bongjang and Sinam areas along the Imphal-Moreh highway. Thankfully, three police personnel sustained bullet injuries, but they were fortunate as the injuries were limited to their legs. The team, under the guidance of IG (Zone I) Themthing Ngasangva and DIG (Range II) Jogeshchandra Haobijam, has been safely transported to Imphal to receive the necessary medical attention.
Manipur's Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, conveyed his heartfelt condolences over the tragic killing of SDPO Kumar, demonstrating his unyielding commitment to serve and protect the community. He provided reassurance that appropriate actions would be taken to ensure justice is served against the culprits.
In response, the state cabinet promptly organized an emergency meeting, offering financial assistance of ₹50 lakh to support the family of the deceased officer, as well as pledging to facilitate suitable government employment. Additionally, the cabinet suggested considering the possibility of classifying the World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council (WKZIC) as an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, even though the authority to make such a declaration lies with the Union government.
The cabinet kindly stressed the importance of a collaborative operation in Moreh and its neighbouring regions, with the aim of apprehending those accountable for this dreadful crime. They committed to exert unwavering efforts until the perpetrators are brought to justice. Currently, this operation is in progress.
The central and state forces have been instructed to ensure that transportation and the general public can freely travel on the Pallel-Moreh road on NH-102, while closely monitoring the ongoing security measures in the area.
Since May 3, there have been unfortunate ethnic clashes in Manipur between the Meitei and tribal Kuki communities, which have sadly caused 178 casualties and led to the displacement of approximately 50,000 individuals.
Following the unfortunate incident, the residents of Singjamei and Wangjing areas in Imphal have united in their plea for justice on behalf of SDPO Kumar, a valued member of the Meitei community.
ITLF Press Release
October 31, 2023
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) vehemently condemns the disturbing selective injustice in Manipur, India. Recent events expose a stark contrast in how citizens and Police Officers are treated based on their ethnicity, emphasizing… pic.twitter.com/FIgFDXkdcw— ITLFMediaCell (A) (@ITLFMedia_Cell) October 31, 2023
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), a Kuki organization, has expressed its concerns regarding perceived discrimination in the treatment of police officers from their community. They have highlighted the case of sub-inspector Ongmang Haokip, who tragically lost his life on September 13 in Churachandpur district. The ITLF emphasizes the importance of fair treatment for all individuals, irrespective of their ethnic identity. They have raised their disappointment with Chief Minister N Biren Singh's silence on Haokip's death and have also drawn attention to the lack of financial assistance provided to his family.
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