IMPHAL: On Sept6 a massive combing operation to track down armed insurgents throughout Manipur is likely to be launched soon in view of the intensified Activities of various outfits operating in the state.
Five guerilla organizations the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Muiveh faction), the United National Liberation Front (UNL), the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP} and the People’s Revolutionary Panty of Kangleipak (PREPAK) are active in Manipur.
Till a few months ago, the NSCN (M) had concentrated its activities in the five hull districts. According to intelligence sources, it has, for the firs me become active in the Meitei dominated Imphal valley.
According to these sources, the murder here of Ankma Khumlu Anal, a senior Naga leader from Chandel district, recently, by suspected NSCN hit men, showed the presence of NSCN activists here.
“The situation in Manipur seems to be slipping out of control and a massive manhunt under the Army is being considered,” said a senior government official. The details for this will be discussed when the Union home minister, §.B.Chavan, visits Imphal on Sep.10.
Apart from the ongoing KukiNaga ethnic clashes, that claimed 180 lives in the hill areas, in the past two years, the activities of insurgents have increased in the past few months. The problem intensified following the demand, by NSCN (Muivah) activities for the formation of an “independent Southern Nagaland” (later to be merged with the present Nagaland), by carving out four hill districts of Manipur Ukhrul, Chandel, Senapati and Tamenglong.
Intelligence sources do not rule Out intemecine clashes between the Valley based insurgent organizations and the hill based underground organizations as the division of Manipur will not be acceptable to the former. Manipur’s total area is about 22,327 sq. km and the hills over 90% of it.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 10, 1993
