Northeast Desk, 4th December: A fresh incident of firing was reported in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district in the early hours of December 4, escalating tensions in the region.
Responding to intelligence inputs about a firefight in the area, Assam Rifles launched an operation around 10.30 am, recovering 13 bodies from the Leithu area of Tengnoupal district.
The victims, yet to be identified, were found in an area predominantly inhabited by the Kukis.
On December 3, the Kuki-Zo tribal bodies of Tengnoupal district welcomed the ‘Peace Agreement’ between the Government of India and the Meitei militant faction, UNLF (Pambei). However, they strongly opposed the proposed establishment of designated camps for surrendered insurgents in Kuki-Zo tribal areas.
The Joint Kuki Civil Society Organisations of Tengnoupal District, including Kuki Inpu Tengnoupal, Kuki Chiefs Association Tengnoupal, Kuki Students’ Organization Tengnoupal, and the Hill Tribal Council Moreh, commended the ‘Peace Agreement’ as a significant step towards integrating banned extremists into the mainstream. They expressed optimism that the agreement would contribute to establishing a peaceful environment in the conflict-ridden Manipur valley.
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