Guwahati: Restive Manipur now has a new player with insurgents from Myanmar joining the ethnic conflict. Top defence sources confirmed the incursion of Myanmar's Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) recently in Kamjong district, where they carried out attacks in three Tangkhul Naga villages along the India-Myanmar border. The KNA operates in coordination with the anti-junta armed group People's Defence Force (PDF).
Attacks on Tangkhul Naga Villages
According to an official, the KNA-B assisted the Village Volunteers Eastern Zone (VVEZ) in attacking three Tangkhul Naga villages in Kamjong district on May 7. A Tangkhul woman of Namlee village, Olina Ningshen, who was abducted by KNA-B and VVEZ on that day, was released on Saturday following mounting pressure from Assam Rifles.
The release took place south of Z Choro village close to the incident area under the watch of Assam Rifles, Intelligence, and other agencies, a defence PRO said. The husband of the woman, the village headman, and civil society organizations were also taken to Humine Thana, short of Phaikoh and close to the handover location, once own forces had secured the release. After release, the family and CSOs were taken to the unit headquarters at Chassad for formal handing over and documentation, the PRO added.
Details of the Incident
The PRO said that on May 7 early morning, there was unrest reported near Z Choro and Namlee along the India-Myanmar border, which was swiftly brought under control by the troops of the Assam Rifles with rapid response despite challenging conditions. The KNA-B and the Village Volunteers Eastern Zone burnt down 10 houses besides injuring a woman. The defence PRO stated that 15 distressed villagers, including women and children, were rescued and provided humanitarian assistance at Aloyo Assam Rifles camp, while the injured woman was provided immediate first aid and medical evacuation support.
Apprehension of Armed Cadre
An armed cadre of KNA-B, Lalthangjohn, was apprehended along with a weapon, magazine, and ammunition during relentless search operations in Churachandpur and later handed over to local police authorities on Thursday. From his possession, one 9 mm Hawg 9 Pistol, a 9 mm pistol magazine, ammunition, and a mobile phone were recovered, the source said.
Claims of Responsibility
The Village Volunteer Eastern Zone (VVEZ), which represents Kuki Zo community interests in eastern hill districts of Manipur, has claimed responsibility for the May 7 attacks in Namlee, Wangle, and Choro villages. The group stated that the operations were carried out in response to the burning of Lanchah village in Kamjong district on May 2. In its statement, the group said the May 7 attacks were directed at the NSCN-IM's Eastern Flank and its allies, citing what it described as repeated aggression against Kuki villages in the region. The VVEZ further claimed that cadres of NSCN-K (AY) and Myanmar-based elements had joined forces in supporting operations against Kuki communities.
