New Delhi, Sep 03, 2023: Twenty-four Kuki residents in Imphal, Manipur, were reportedly forced to leave their homes on Friday night by security officials who cited concerns over their safety. This alleged eviction comes amid ongoing tensions between the Kuki and Meitei communities in the northeastern state since May 3.
The ethnic clashes have prompted thousands of Kukis and Meiteis to seek refuge in different regions of Manipur, fleeing violence that has claimed at least 165 lives.
While some Kukis remained in areas like New Lambulane in Imphal West district, where they were provided heavy security by central security forces, two Kuki residents have claimed that all of them were asked to vacate their homes on Friday night.
Reverend S Prim Vaiphei and Hejang Kipgen, in a press statement issued on Saturday, described the eviction as a “high-handed abduction-like forcible evacuation executed against our will.” They mentioned that the residents were not given time to pack their belongings and were forcibly removed by uniformed armed personnel claiming to be from the home department.
Security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the evacuation took place in the middle of the night due to inputs suggesting an “imminent danger” to the Kuki residents. They were escorted under security to a government accommodation.
Since the onset of ethnic clashes, the New Lambulane locality has witnessed multiple incidents of attacks on houses and properties, with the most recent occurring on August 27, when a mob burned down three abandoned houses.
The situation in Manipur remains tense, with efforts needed to ease tensions and ensure the safety of all residents affected by the ongoing conflict.
