India: 10 Armed Men Gunned Down in Encounter with Security

10 Militants Killed in Shootout with Indian Security Forces

“Miscreants attacked a police station earlier this afternoon. The attackers were killed after central...”

In a recent encounter, 10 armed individuals were killed in a shootout with security forces in Manipur, India, on November 11, 2024. The attackers had attempted to storm a police station earlier that afternoon, but central security forces responded swiftly, neutralizing the threat.

Ten armed individuals were killed in a gunfight with security officials in Manipur, India, on Monday, November 11, after attempting to attack a police station. According to Krishna Kumar, the police deputy commissioner of Manipur's Jiribam district, “Miscreants attacked a police station earlier this afternoon. The attackers were killed after central security forces responded.”

This incident is the latest development in the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, which has been plagued by violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023. The state, with a population of 3.2 million, is divided into two ethnic regions: the Meitei-controlled valley and the Kuki-dominated hills.

Background of the Conflict

The conflict began with a demand for Scheduled Tribe status by the Meitei community, which was met with resistance from the Kuki people. The situation escalated into violence, resulting in the deaths of over 221 people and displacement of 60,000 others. The conflict has been fueled by issues such as land rights, illegal immigration, and partisan killings by security forces.

Facts About the Conflict

Death Toll: Over 221 people killed 

Displacement: 60,000 people displaced 

Ethnic Divide: Meitei-controlled valley and Kuki-dominated hills

Causes: Demand for Scheduled Tribe status, land righ

ts, illegal immigration, and partisan killings

Violence has been sporadically erupting in Manipur since last year, fueled by tensions between the Meitei community, which makes up the majority, and the tribal Kukis. The unrest was triggered by a court order directing the state government to consider granting the Meiteis the same special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education that the Kukis currently enjoy. This move has been contentious, with concerns that it would deepen ethnic divisions.

The conflict has resulted in significant displacement and loss of life. Over 75 deaths and 1,700 buildings destroyed, including homes and religious sites, have been reported. More than 35,000 people are currently displaced, with many living in relief camps. The state government has responded with military curfews, internet suspensions, and deployment of approximately 17,000 troops and paramilitary forces.

Key Factors Contributing to the Conflict:

Ethnic Divisions: Long-standing tensions between Meitei and Kuki communities

Economic Benefits: Dispute over special economic benefits and quotas for Meiteis

Land Rights: Controversy surrounding Indigenous land rights issues

Refugee Influx: Arrival of refugees from Myanmar, exacerbating tensions

A local police official, speaking anonymously, identified the attackers as members of the larger Kuki-Zo tribal community. Additionally, one security officer was critically injured in the clashes. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing violence and concerns about cross-border attacks.