Manipur Violence: 'Women activists deliberately blocking roads in Manipur', Army statement on violence

The Army said women activists in violence-hit Manipur were deliberately blocking roads and interfering with security forces' operations. The army has urged people to help restore peace in the northeastern state. The army's statement came two days after a standoff between the army and a women-led mob at Itham village in Imphal East, led to the release of 12 terrorists hiding there.

women deliberately blocking roads

The Army's Spears Corps shared a video of some such incidents on Twitter late on Monday night terming the 'unwarranted interference' of women as detrimental to the timely response of the security forces. The Spears Corps said that women activists in Manipur are deliberately blocking routes and interfering with the operation of security forces, which is detrimental to the timely response by security forces during critical situations to save lives and property.

The Spears Corps said that the Indian Army appeals to all sections of the population to support efforts to restore peace. Help us help Manipur.

Mob prevented the army from taking away 12 KYKL members

The army said 12 members of Kanglei Yavol Kanna Lup (KYKL), a Meitei militant group involved in several attacks, including the ambush of 6 Dogra units in 2015, were hiding in the village, but the mob prevented them from being taken. Later, the security personnel took away the seized arms and ammunition.

Ethnic violence in Manipur has killed more than 100 people so far.

Caste violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in the northeastern state has claimed over 100 lives so far. The clashes first broke out on May 3 after a 'tribal solidarity march' was organized in the hill districts to protest against the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Meitei community. The Meites constitute about 53 percent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. The tribal Nagas and Kukis constitute 40 percent of the population and live in the hilly districts.

Also Read: Manipur Violence: Strict action by security forces in Manipur 12 bunkers were destroyed in the search operation, 135 were arrested so far; Mortar-IED also recovered