Manipur Violence:12 Militants Released After Women-Led Mob Stops Security Forces

Security forces were forced to release 12 Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) militants after a women-led mob of around 1,500 surrounded them and thwarted the combing operation in ethnic violence-hit Manipur.

12 Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), a Meitei militant group, they apprehended earlier in the day included Moirangthem Tamba, alias Uttam, a mastermind of the 2015 ambush that killed 18 army personnel.

The stand-off in Itham went on throughout Saturday, and ended after a mature decision by the operational commander keeping in view the sensitivity of use of kinetic force against large irate mob led by women and likely casualties due to such action, said an Army spokesperson.

Among those holed up in the village was self-styled Lt Col Moirangthem Tamba alias Uttam, the mastermind of ambush on 6th battalion of the DOGRA case in 2015.

"Mob of approximately 1200-1500, led by women and the local leaders surrounded the Army column and prevented forces from going ahead with the operation, despite repeated appeals. However, it did not yield any positive result. Keeping in view the sensitivity of use of kinetic force against large irate mob and envisaged casualties due to such action, the officer on ground made a considerate decision to hand over all 12 cadres to local leader: PRO (Defence), Kohima & Imphal

The Army's decision to leave was taken, keeping in mind the need to avoid any collateral damage during the ongoing unrest in Manipur.

Nearly 120 people have lost their lives in the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities in the northeastern state so far.

Clashes first broke out on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals - Nagas and Kukis - constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts.