India’s Manipur ‘vigilant’ over influx of 900 militants from Myanmar

India’s northeastern state of Manipur has been placed on high alert after intelligence reports of a potential influx of 900 suspected Kuki militants from Myanmar, a senior security official said on Friday.

Kuldiep Singh, Manipur’s security adviser, told reporters at a press briefing that the information regarding the militants has been shared with various intelligence agencies.

Since May 2023, Manipur has been embroiled in violence between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities, driven by disputes over economic benefits and quotas.

“The border police have been alerted, and combing operations are under way,” he said, adding that hill districts, home to Kuki tribes, were put under heightened vigilance.

The Kuki people, living in southern Manipur, share ethnic ties with the Chin tribe in Myanmar.