Violence Erupts in Manipur Amid Ceasefire as AT Suspected in Attack on UNLF Members
On March 22, 2025, four members of a Meitei insurgent group were injured in an attack by suspected Arambai Tenggol members who stormed a residence. The incident follows ongoing ethnic strife between the Kuki tribes and the Meitei community, which has resulted in significant violence since May 2023, leading to over 250 deaths.
On Saturday, four members of the Meitei insurgent group, which entered a ceasefire agreement with the Indian government in November 2023, were injured following an attack by 15-20 suspected members of the Arambai Tenggol (AT) group. Initial reports indicated gunfire from both sides during the altercation, according to the police’s update posted on X.
The altercation occurred at the home of Irengbam Nandakumar Singh, an alleged functionary of the United National Liberation Front (P), where a violent confrontation ensued, leaving four members with blunt force injuries. Fortunately, these individuals were reported to be stable and in no immediate danger after receiving medical attention.
Following the incident, security forces conducted a raid at AT Unit-17 in the Porompat area, discovering incriminating materials, including approximately 15 grams of a substance believed to be heroin and an INSAS assault rifle bayonet. The police are investigating further into the events leading up to the fight.
Prior to this event, on February 25, a delegation from AT met with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to discuss peace in the state. They requested assurances against attacks on civilians in light of their planned disarmament, asking for central police forces to secure the region.
Since May 2023, violent clashes have erupted between the valley-dominant Meitei community and the Kuki tribes, igniting disputes over land rights and political representation. Kuki groups have accused the AT of attacking their villages post-conflict, while AT claims they were forced to take up arms as village defenders amid a lack of effective law enforcement.
The involvement of insurgents from both communities in the violence was acknowledged by the police after a September 2024 incident in Jiribam district. Historical Meitei militant groups have resurfaced from exile in Myanmar, driven by diminishing control from the military junta.
The UNLF (P) is currently the only Meitei group in ceasefire, while Kuki and Zomi tribes are represented by numerous insurgent groups operating under the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF). Both umbrella organizations signed a suspension of operations agreement designed to regulate their activities in designated camps. The ongoing ethnic conflict has resulted in over 250 fatalities and the displacement of nearly 50,000 individuals.
The recent attack on Meitei insurgents by suspected AT members highlights the escalating tensions in Manipur amidst an ongoing ceasefire. Both communities involved in the violence face accusations of aggressive actions against one another. The complex situation is further complicated by the re-emergence of historic insurgent groups and ongoing peace discussions involving state authorities. The violence has had a devastating impact, claiming numerous lives and causing significant displacement.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
