New Delhi: The Manipur government has retracted its alarming assertion that 900 militants crossed into the state from Myanmar – a claim that had ignited unrest among the Meitei community in Imphal.

In a joint statement issued by Manipur’s Director General of Police, Rajiv Singh, and security advisor, Kuldiep Singh, officials aimed to clarify the situation following the outcry.

The statement acknowledged initial intelligence reports regarding the infiltration of trained Kuki militants but emphasised, “The input was verified from different quarters, but it could not be substantiated on the ground. There is currently no basis to believe in any such input.”

The government also reassured citizens that security forces were on high alert and urged communities to remain vigilant against rumours and misinformation.

Despite these reassurances, the initial claims had already caused significant damage. Fear rippled through the Meitei population, leading residents to mobilise and patrol their villages. The Meira Paibi, known as the “torchbearers” of Manipur for their grassroots activism, stepped up their vigilance, increasing their presence in the neighbourhoods.

The confusion began last week when Singh, overseeing the unified command in Manipur, stated during a press conference on September 20 that 900 Kuki militants had entered the Imphal Valley. His remarks sparked widespread panic, with many accusing the government of not only inciting unrest but also mishandling the security situation.

Three days later, the Hindu reported that on September 22, the Army, via a social media post, requested details from Singh regarding intelligence on the alleged entry of 900 Kuki militants from Myanmar. However, the post on X was subsequently deleted.

A post on X by the Spear Corps of the Indian Army stated, “These inputs have very serious security implications, and the office of the Security Adviser has been requested to share the details so that appropriate necessary action can be taken at the earliest.” According to the Hindu, Singh received this information from the chief minister’s office, raising further questions about his role in the matter.

Manipur Congress president Meghachandra sharply criticised both the state and central governments, warning that their actions could lead to a crisis reminiscent of the violence that erupted on May 3. He accused the leadership of failing to maintain law and order and exacerbating divisions within the state’s communities. “The DGP, Chief Secretary, and Security Advisor all were appointed by the central government. If they are spreading fake news, they should resign immediately,” he stated, following the Manipur government’s reversal of its gathered intelligence about the Kuki militants

‘No law and order in Manipur’

Meghachandra also said “The prime minister doesn’t care, and Biren is unaware of his own powers. He appoints someone for unified command and then asks for the power back. There is no law and order in Manipur, and both governments have failed completely,” he said. He further questioned the central government’s silence on a matter of national security. “I believe this government has created more division within the Kuki community, and now peace talks seem far off to me,” he added, highlighting........

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