In the ongoing conflict in Manipur, a police sub-inspector lost his life in a sniper attack. The death marks a tragic milestone in the 133-day-long unrest in the region.
Source: The Hindu
On September 13, 2023, in Chingphei village, Bishnupur district, a 40-year-old policeman, Sub-Inspector Onkhomang Haokip, and a member of the Kuki community, fell victim to a sniper attack, succumbing to a gunshot wound to the forehead. The incident has raised suspicions about the involvement of Meitei militants in this tragic incident, further deepening the divide in the region.
Growing Concerns about Bias: As the unrest persists, Kuki organizations have voiced their concerns about alleged biases within sections of the police force against their community. This tragic incident has only exacerbated these tensions.
Region in Turmoil: This area has been a hotspot for the ongoing conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities, which erupted in May of this year following the protest march against Meiteis's call for Scheduled Tribe status.
Continued Violence and Displacement: The 133-day-long unrest has resulted in over 183 casualties and forced more than 67,000 people to leave their homes, impacting both communities profoundly. The region's exemption from the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in various police station areas due to improved security conditions complicates matters even further.
Calls for Reimposing AFSPA: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) has urged the central government to reimpose the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, (AFSPA) in valley areas, alleging that the state government and sections of the police force openly support the majority community. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), representing Meitei civil society organizations, has countered this demand, highlighting the relatively peaceful conditions in AFSPA-lifted areas and emphasizing violence in Kuki-dominated regions.
As Manipur grapples with ongoing unrest and loss of life, the region's future remains uncertain. Calls for reevaluating security measures, managing biases within law enforcement, and promoting peaceful coexistence have become more pressing than ever. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for a coordinated effort from all stakeholders to restore peace and stability to Manipur, ensuring the safety and well-being of all its residents.
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