Guwahati: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kukis, has raised serious concerns over the Manipur government’s recent acquisition of advanced weaponry, specifically the 7.62 mm MMG MK 2A1.
These heavy-duty weapons, typically reserved for high-intensity conflicts between nations, have been deployed at the Manipur Police Training College in Pangei.
The KIM alleged that the state government is training Manipur Police personnel on the use of these sophisticated weapons, a move they deem disproportionate and exacerbating the already volatile ethnic conflict in the state.
The KIM expressed deep concern about the potential use of such lethal weaponry against the Kuki-Zo community, who have been “disproportionately affected by violence” since the conflict erupted in May 2023.
The KIM highlighted that the Manipur government has already purchased various military equipment, including bulletproof vehicles and mine-protected vehicles, which have been used against the Kuki-Zo community.
The introduction of the 7.62 mm MMG MK 2A1, a weapon rarely used in counter-insurgency operations, further escalates the situation and raises questions about the government’s intentions.
The organization urged the Central government to intervene and reconsider the deployment of such advanced weaponry in an internal conflict.
The KIM fears that the introduction of the 7.62 mm MMG MK 2A1 into the conflict will have dire consequences for the Kuki-Zo people, who are already “suffering from coordinated attacks by radical militias and the state police”.