Chief minister N Biren Singh has ordered the setting up of a special probe committee to ascertain whether there is a larger conspiracy behind the incident. Security forces have also launched a combing operation to retrieve the weapons looted by suspected Kuki Independence Army (KIA) cadres, the local media reported.
On March 11, the BJP-led state government decided to withdraw from the ceasefire pact with the Kuki National Army (KNA) and the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA). The move came following allegations that these militant groups were instigating villagers against the state government after it had launched an eviction drive and a crackdown on illegal poppy cultivation in protected forests, especially along Manipur’s border with Myanmar. Poppy or opium is used to produce contraband drugs like heroin.
The KNA and the ZRA are among 25 militant outfits under two umbrella groups — United Peoples’ Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO) – which had signed a suspension of operation (SoO) agreement with the Centre and the state government in 2008.
Since then, the agreement has been periodically extended, and cadres of these Kuki rebel groups are currently staying at 14 designated camps set up by the government in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal and Chandel districts. The KIA, which is suspected to be involved in the weapons loot incident, is not a signatory to the truce pact.
Suspected KIA militants raided the Horep designated camp in Churachandpur around midnight on April 8, according to the police. They overpowered the rebels guarding the armoury and looted nearly two dozen weapons and explosives.
The CM said that the responsibility of guarding the camp lay with the militant groups, which had signed the SoO agreement with the government, according to
The Sangai Express
, a Manipur-based newspaper. The probe panel will also look into any possible collusion between the KIA and the SoO militant groups.
The incident came close on the heels of the Manipur Police announcing a Rs 50,000-reward for information leading to the arrest of self-styled KIA commander-in-chief Thangkhongam Haokip. The rebel leader is “wanted” for his alleged role in kidnapping, extortion and bombing cases. The police suspect the raid at the designated camp was led by none other than Haokip.
The incident comes at a time when the issue of illegal poppy cultivation has cast a shadow on the Kuki ceasefire pact, as reported by TOI. It also raises questions about how long this fragile truce will last.
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