In Manipur, security has been stepped up ahead of I-Day celebrations

After certain prohibited organizations with a base in the Imphal valley called for a strike on Independence Day, authorities in Manipur stepped up security measures on Sunday, according to officials. The police said that security officers carried out search operations in five districts’ susceptible regions and found weapons and ammunition.

The state-wide I-Day festivities are already underway, with BSF, police, Assam Refiles, and student participants partaking in on the marching past rehearsals that will take place on August 15.

The Churachandpur district’s Tuiboung area’s Peace Ground hosted I-Day rehearsals on Saturday. The preparations included twenty-one parade contingents of the BSF, police, students, and Assam Rifles, according to an official.

Imphal, the nation’s capital, is also getting ready for Independence Day on August 15 by erecting hoardings and temporary gates. Another official said that “security measures have been significantly increased” as a result of many militant organizations calling for an attack on I-Day.

On I-Day from 1 am to 6.30 pm, a number of illegal organizations, including Coordinating Committee (Corcom), called for a countrywide strike. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), and PREPAK are among the prohibited organizations that make up Corcom.

Separately, Manipur’s two more outlawed groups have also demanded a strike on August 15. The Manipur Police said on Twitter, “Search operations were conducted in the fringe and vulnerable areas of Imphal-West, Imphal-East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts and recovered 12 arms, six rounds of ammunition, and eight explosives.”

Notably, since the ethnic violence started in Manipur on May 3, when a “Tribal Solidarity March” was organized in the hill regions to protest against the Meitei community’s desire for Scheduled Tribe (ST) designation, more than 160 people have died and several hundred have been wounded.

The majority of Meiteis, who make up around 53% of Manipur’s population, reside in the Imphal Valley. A little over 40% of the population are tribal people, mostly Nagas and Kukis, who live in the hill areas.