Unrest rocks Moreh, Manipur: Inside the explosive battle at India-Myanmar border

In a sensational turn of events, the small yet strategic trading town of Moreh, located mere metres from the Myanmar border, has become a battleground. The situation escalated with a second Manipur Police commando, Takhellambam Saileshwore, losing his life amid intense violence. This follows the death of 32-year-old Wangkhem Somorjit Meetei, marking a dark chapter in Moreh’s history.

Explosive Encounter: Commandos Under Heavy RPG Fire

The confrontation reached a fever pitch when the commandos faced a barrage of heavy fire, including rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). Despite returning effective fire, the presence of protesters compounded the volatility. In this chaotic melee, an elderly woman was also reportedly injured under mysterious circumstances.

Dramatic Visuals: Armed Attackers Confront Security Forces

In a dramatic twist, visuals captured armed attackers forcefully repelling a security forces truck attempting to enter Moreh. This incident is not just a clash but a symbol of deep-rooted ethnic and political tensions in the region.

Ethnic Tensions Fueling the Fire

The recent unrest follows the arrest of two Kuki tribals linked to the October killing of police officer Chingtham Anand Kumar. This arrest triggered massive protests by Kuki-Zo groups, with Moreh-based civil bodies vehemently condemning the arrests. The Kuki tribes have accused the Manipur Police of aggression against their members, a claim the police have denied, leading to demands for replacing state security personnel with central forces.

Protesters Demand Release of Arrested Tribals

Amplifying the tension, hundreds from Kuki tribes have taken to the streets, demanding the release of the arrested individuals, including a Bharatiya Janata Party member. The attack also led to significant collateral damage, with several houses and two schools either struck by RPGs or set ablaze.

Unexpected Cross-Border Aid Amidst the Chaos

In a remarkable turn of events, a fire engine from the Myanmar side crossed the border to assist in extinguishing the fires, a gesture of cross-border camaraderie facilitated by the Free Movement Regime (FMR). This regime, part of India’s ‘Act East’ policy, has been instrumental in enabling such acts of neighborly assistance.

FMR and Ethnic Tensions: A Region on Edge

The FMR, implemented in 1970 and revived in 2016, faces potential scrapping amidst these ethnic clashes, with plans to fence the border by 2029. The ongoing tensions between hill-majority Kuki tribes and valley-majority Meiteis have already claimed over 180 lives in eight months, painting a picture of a region in turmoil.

Conclusion: A Region Gripped by Violence and Uncertainty

The state claims its actions in Moreh are attempts to quell an insurgent uprising, but the Kukis view this as an occupation attempt. With the Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh, calling for the FMR’s scrapping, the area remains a hotspot of ethnic conflict and political debate, underscoring the complex dynamics at the India-Myanmar border.