Kuki Inpi Questions Govt Motive Behind SoO Camp Raid; Molnom Villagers Allege Assault, Live Firing

The Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai and civil society organisations of Saikul have questioned the government’s intent behind the September 7 raid on a Suspension of Operations (SoO)-designated camp at Gampum under Saikul Police Station, demanding a “justifiable clarification” over what they described as a possible violation of SoO ground rules.

The Kuki bodies said the SoO agreement, a tripartite pact signed in 2008, was intended to facilitate lasting peace and a political solution in the region, and that the designated camp had remained functional since then without objections from the government.

The Kuki Inpi and CSOs of Saikul said a combined team of CRPF CoBRA, RAF, Manipur Police and Mahila personnel raided the camp in the early hours of September 7, “as if the raid was carried out against an unlawful armed gang”.

They alleged that the security forces resorted to “excessive brutalities” during the operation and said several cadres were apprehended along with a “huge cache” of arms and ammunition.

The Kuki bodies questioned whether the raid was triggered by alleged violations of the SoO ground rules and, if so, whether such violations had been discussed at a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting.

They further alleged that the operation was conducted under pressure from sections demanding abrogation of the SoO agreement, arguing that allegations against SoO cadres could not be used to justify unilateral action.

“Why is the Government always acting at the pressure of majority communities?” the Kuki bodies asked, questioning whether “majority pressure” had effectively become the law while minorities were left defenceless.

The Kuki Inpi and CSOs of Saikul said the government must apply the law equally to all communities and function according to established rules rather than what they described as “mob justice and majoritarian pressure”.

They demanded a clear explanation from the government over the raid, which they termed a violation of the SoO ground rules.

Meanwhile, villagers in Molnom have levelled serious allegations of excessive force, civilian assault and live firing against security personnel, demanding an independent, impartial and time-bound investigation into the incident.

The villagers said they had gathered at Molnom to seek answers over the arrest of young boys from an SoO-designated camp but were allegedly met with “brutal force”.

They alleged that male CoBRA personnel kicked and struck a civilian with the butt of a rifle and subjected women to inappropriate physical contact.

The villagers further alleged that elderly persons, women and children were chased into their homes, while live rounds were fired, resulting in civilian injuries.

Vehicles, gates and doors were also allegedly vandalised during the incident, they claimed.

The villagers said they possessed video evidence purportedly documenting the vandalism, firing and injuries, along with recovered cartridges, and demanded that all such evidence be preserved for an independent investigation.

They also raised pointed questions over the alleged use of live ammunition: Who authorised the firing? What imminent threat justified it? How many rounds were fired? And under what authority were civilians allegedly assaulted?

“CoBRA may be an elite force, but no uniform confers immunity from the law,” the villagers said.

They demanded preservation of all video evidence, ammunition records and operational footage, insisting that the incident must be investigated independently rather than being explained away after the fact.

“The Molnom incident does not need explanations crafted after the fact. It needs accountability,” the villagers said.