Assam Rifles and a tale of two contrary protests in Manipur

In Manipur, protests erupt as Kuki and Meitei groups clash over the Assam Rifles' withdrawal, citing bias and security concerns amid rising violence.

Inside the battalion headquarters of the 22 Assam Rifles(AR) in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, the soldiers have started their preparations to vacate the camp. On September 20, they will be replaced by CRPF personnel. The Centre has ordered the transfer of 22 AR and 9 AR battalions from Manipur because of the rising terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K). The two battalions, approximately 2,500 men, are currently posted in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur – hill districts where Kukis live. Many AR soldiers here are excited for the counter terrors ops ahead because this is a challenge they have been trained for.

Assam rifles and Manipur Police conduct a joint search operation using a sniffer dog in the general area of Tekcham Maning Ching. (ANI)