Foreign actors exploiting Kuki groups to divide NE: Sources

NEW DELHI, Nov 10
Kuki groups are being empowered by foreign actors under the guise of religion with the ultimate goal of exploiting them to create a separate State by annexing areas of Manipur, Mizoram, as well as Chin State in Myanmar, along with Chittagong in Bangladesh, top-level security sources told CNN-News18.
According to them, both China and the United States seek dominance in Asia, and this particular region holds strategic importance for their ambitions.
Efforts to appease tribes failing
Another pressing concern assessed by Central agencies is the handling of the Kuki issue by both the federal and State Governments.
Despite attempts to appease local tribes like the Thadou, Gangte, Vaiphei, Paite, and Simte, sources said these efforts are proving futile. These tribes feel increasingly threatened and perceive a lack of support from both levels of Government.
According to the sources, the recent statement made by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma about “three enemies" in a foreign country without prior political clearance is particularly damaging. His remarks align with the narratives propagated by foreign agencies seeking to interfere in the region. This lack of coordination raises serious concerns.
China is already exploiting various border disputes to stoke tensions and destabilise India, said the sources.
Simultaneously, recent American operations in Bangladesh raise concerns about similar activities being planned within India, they added.
According to some sections within the security forces, the 17-month-long Manipur conflict has been neglected for too long. The origins of the sophisticated weaponry possessed by insurgent groups and the advanced military tactics employed by them raise serious questions.
Weapon recoveries from Manipur
2022: Security forces recovered 137 weapons, including AK-56 Rifles, M16 rifles, and pistols, from various locations in Manipur.
2021: Police recovered 57 weapons, including 9mm pistols and .32 revolvers, from Thoubal and Imphal East districts.
2020: Security forces seized 34 weapons, including AK-47 rifles and M16 rifles, from Ukhrul and Chandel districts.
2019: Security forces recovered a large cache of weapons, including 11 AK-56 rifles, two M16 rifles, and 12 pistols, from a militant hideout in Imphal West.
2018: Police seized 25 weapons, including 9mm pistols and .32 revolvers, from a militant leader’s residence in Thoubal.
These incidents are being categorised as organised and premeditated war crimes.
There is speculation that these groups may have received specialised training in Chittagong or Myanmar.
The Mizoram CM’s statement in the US has provided foreign powers with an opportunity to interfere in India’s domestic affairs, potentially damaging the regional fabric, said the sources. News18