Imphal, Manipur: Top-ranking Army officials, led by Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Eastern Command, on Thursday briefed Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on the prevailing security situation in the state.
The meeting, held at Raj Bhavan, also saw the presence of GOC Spear Corps, Lt. Gen. Abhijit S Pendharkar, and IGAR South, Maj. Gen. Ravroop Singh, with discussions extending to the overall security scenario across the wider Northeast region.
Beyond the immediate security updates, the GOC-in-C also apprised Governor Bhalla on the comprehensive preparedness and arrangements for the upcoming 134th edition of the Durand Cup 2025. Imphal is set to host a portion of this prestigious football tournament from July 30 to August 12. The officers, who arrived in Imphal via an Indian Air Force aircraft, further conducted review meetings with local military leadership, according to defence sources. These visits are described as routine assessments aimed at ensuring robust security and operational readiness throughout the region.
The ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which erupted in May 2023, has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis. Official figures, as of November 2024, indicate that at least 258 people have been killed, with some unofficial estimates suggesting higher numbers. The conflict has also led to the displacement of over 60,000 individuals, rendering thousands homeless.
Additionally, more than 1,000 people have been injured, and 32 remain missing. The violence has also taken a toll on infrastructure, with 4,786 houses burnt and 386 religious structures, including both temples and churches, vandalised. The clashes predominantly involve the Imphal Valley-based Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo tribal community from the surrounding hills.
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