Militant Attack in Manipur Leaves 21 Civilians Missing
Overview of the Incident
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam (centre) during his visit to the affected village, on Saturday. (Photo)
Imphal, May 9: At least 21 civilians have gone missing following an attack by suspected militants who reportedly crossed over from the India-Myanmar border. The assault targeted three remote villages in Manipur, resulting in injuries, destruction of homes, and widespread fear among the local population.
Government Response
On Saturday, Manipur's Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam visited the impacted areas to assess the situation. He engaged with local residents and officials while reviewing security measures in place.
In a statement to the media, Konthoujam emphasized the government's serious approach to the incident, promising a thorough investigation into any potential security failures.
“The government prioritizes the safety of its citizens and their properties. We are investigating possible security oversights to prevent future occurrences,” he stated.
Cross-Border Concerns
When questioned about the implications of the attack regarding cross-border militancy, the minister noted that no formal report indicating 'foreign aggression' had been submitted, although the situation is under close scrutiny.
“Should evidence of foreign aggression emerge, we will escalate the matter to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Defence Ministry,” he added.
Urgent Need for Border Security
Konthoujam highlighted the critical need for border fencing to curb illegal crossings and infiltration. He mentioned that the fencing project is being expedited, with a new completion target set for 2028 instead of 2029.
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred on May 7, targeting the villages of Wanglee, Namli, and Z Choro, located in the Kamjong district near the sensitive India-Myanmar border.
During his visit, Konthoujam, accompanied by other MLAs, also inspected a shelter camp in Namlee village, which is currently housing hundreds of Myanmar nationals fleeing the ongoing conflict and political unrest in their home country.
Myanmar refugees in a shelter camp at Namlee village. (Photo)
Reports indicate that over 1,000 Myanmar nationals are currently seeking refuge in various locations within Kamjong district due to instability in Myanmar.
Local Reactions
The affected villages are among the most isolated in the region, suffering from significant infrastructural challenges. Machinmi Shinglai, Vice Chairman of Leimashen Chingsang, claimed that militants from Myanmar were responsible for the attack.
“We were caught off guard by this incident. Villagers reported that a mix of PDF militants from Myanmar and KNIB militants carried out the assault,” he stated.
Shinglai further alleged that approximately 21 civilians were taken during the violence, with no updates on their status. Among the missing is a Tangkhul woman named Alisa from Tangpat village, who was at the Namli market at the time.
He noted that the nearest police station is situated about 25 to 30 kilometers away in Kasom Khullen, and the Namli police outpost reportedly had no officers present during the attack.
“We urgently request the deployment of state security forces. The community feels safer with their presence, and stronger protection is critically needed,” he urged.
Increased Security Measures
In response to the attack, security forces have ramped up patrols, combing operations, and surveillance in the surrounding border regions.