Seeking explanation regarding the recent disturbing video of Kuki Militants over powering the India Army deployed in Moreh areas, dated 17 January, 2024.
Dear General Manoj Pande,
I hope this letter finds you well. On behalf of the people of Manipur, I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of great concern regarding the recent viral video of an incident involving the Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists overpowering the Indian Army in the Moreh Border Town areas of Manipur on the fateful day of 17th January 2024. In the history of the Indian Army, such visuals of our brave soldiers being openly threatened with guns, rocket launchers, and other weapons have never been witnessed before. This incident not only undermines the integrity and authority of the armed forces, but also poses a significant threat to national security. I kindly request your urgent attention and action in addressing this alarming situation. It is crucial that a thorough investigation is conducted to determine how such an incident occurred or is it that you are being advised or instructed by the Government of India in New Delhi to maintain restraint while confronting with Armed Kuki militants as they have been working with the Indian Army since the execution of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) since 2005. We also wanted you to identify any lapses in security measures that may have allowed it to happen. As such attitude towards an unregulated armed groups giving enough time to take their position in the confrontation could have kept the Army personnel’s life in danger. Moreover, it is imperative that appropriate steps are taken to ensure that our forces are equipped with the necessary resources and support to effectively counter such threats in the future. The safety and morale of our brave soldiers should be our highest priority.
Till date, several brave Indian Army soldiers and state police personnel have lost their lives at the hands of the Kuki militant groups. It is disheartening to mention a few of these incidents that are in the public domain:
- On 16th May 2023, Assam Rifle Jawan Alok Rao was killed by Kuki militants at Dolaithabi, Imphal East, and Saikul Border area.
- On 5th June 2023, BSF Jawan Ranjit Yadav lost his life in an attack by Kuki militants from the Churachandpur side at Serou area in Kakching District.
- On 31 October 2023, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Moreh Sub-Division, Tengnoupal District, Chingtham Anand was killed by an Armed Kuki Group.
- On January 17, 2024, state police personnel Takhellambam Saileshor Wangkhem Somorjit were killed by armed Kuki groups at Moreh Border Town.
- On the same day 17 January, three BSF Jawans namely Gourav Kumar, Sobram Singh and Ramji were seriously injured in an open attack by Kuki groups in broad daylight at Moreh.
- On the early morning of 17 Feb. 2024 one more BSF Jawan got bullet injuries from the bullets of Kuki Militants at Sugnu, under Kakching District.
This incident represents an alarming departure from historical precedent, where never before
has the Indian Army been so openly overpowered by armed groups, compelling them to retreat from their deployment area, no visible retaliation against the open attacks carried out by Kuki Militants injuring and killing several Indian army personnel.
Immediate attention and action will be imperative to address this distressing situation. A thorough investigation is indispensable to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any security lapses including possible advisories from the Govt. in New Delhi. Equally crucial is the implementation of measures to equip our forces adequately and provide them with the necessary support to effectively counter such threats in coordination with the state police forces in the future. Safeguarding the safety and morale of our brave soldiers must be our paramount concern. These incidents underscore the urgent need for action to ensure the safety and security of both our soldiers and civilians.
I urge you to personally intervene, oversee a comprehensive investigation, and take prompt action to rectify this situation. The current criticism faced by the Indian Army in the region, compounded by the perceived indifference in the Assam Rifles’ handling of the situation, demands urgent attention. Our armed forces have long been a source of pride and strength for the nation, and it is imperative to safeguard their reputation. The people of Manipur place their complete trust in your leadership, and we are confident that you will address this matter with the urgency and seriousness it warrants.
We trust that you will take appropriate action to ensure a clear understanding of the recent disturbing incident. It is crucial to safeguard the integrity and honour of the Indian Army, as well as guarantee the safety and security of the indigenous people in Manipur, especially in vulnerable areas like Moreh and other parts along the Indo-Myanmar border. We anticipate your prompt response to address any doubts regarding the Indian Army’s stance on this incident.
(The letter is published by COCOMI on February 17, 2024)
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