How Assam Rifles' Efforts Led To The Rescue Of 75 Women In Manipur

The Indian Army recently engaged in a relentless battle with suspected insurgents in the heart of Manipur, ultimately resulting in the successful rescue of 75 women from a social and cultural institution. The incident unfolded on May 16th, when a group of armed individuals initiated an attack on Uyok, a village situated in the foothills of Manipur. The assailants, whose identities remain undisclosed, unleashed a barrage of gunfire, resulting in a swift and decisive response from security forces.

Meira Paibis Rescued Amidst Chaos

Upon receiving reports of the attack, the Assam Rifles swiftly mobilized, employing heavy firepower to neutralize the threat posed by the insurgents. Visual footage captured during the operation depicts soldiers bravely engaging the assailants, exemplifying the commitment of security forces to safeguarding communities within the region.

Amidst the chaos of the gunfight, the army successfully evacuated 75 members of the Meira Paibis, a revered women-only social and cultural institution within the valley-dominant Meitei community. 

In a post on the microblogging service X, the Assam Rifles said soldiers "brought down heavy fire" on the unknown armed people, while also evacuating 75 Meira Paibis, a women-only social and cultural institution of the valley's main Meitei population. The Assam Rifles also released footage of two soldiers firing mortars against the alleged rebels.

ARMY & ASSAM RIFLES SAFELY RESCUE VILLAGERS FROM ARMED ATTACK BY MISCREANTS@adgpi and #AssamRifles safely led the rescue and evacuation of around 75 Meirapaibis during an attack by armed miscreants. The Security Forces repelled the misadventurism by bringing down heavy fire and… pic.twitter.com/Dupal1Q5se

— The Assam Rifles (@official_dgar) May 19, 2024

Root Causes of Conflict

The incident sheds light on the escalating tensions between the hill-dominant Kuki-Zo tribes and the valley-dominant Meitei community in Manipur. With entrenched grievances and historical animosities fueling the conflict, the region has witnessed a tragic cycle of violence, resulting in loss of life and widespread displacement.

The underlying tensions between the Kuki-Zo tribes and the Meitei community stem from competing claims over territorial sovereignty and resource allocation. The Meiteis accuse the Kuki-Zo tribes of shooting at anyone, including farmers, in the foothills without cause, while the Kuki-Zo tribes accuse the Meiteis of attempting to take over hilly areas through regular attacks.

Since May 2023, ethnic violence between the two ethnic groupings has claimed the lives of over 220 people and displaced many more. Following the rioting, the Kuki-Zo tribes wanted a "separate administration" for Manipur. However, the Meiteis have stated that the Kuki-Zo tribes have long desired a separate land, therefore, the allegation that the May 2023 violence prompted the demand for separate governance is absolutely false.