Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday, 14 November chaired a high-level security review meeting in Imphal, directing authorities to intensify combing operations across Manipur to apprehend those responsible for recent incidents of violence that claimed five lives in two separate attacks within 24 hours. The meeting was convened at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister's Secretariat at Babupara, Imphal, according to officials.

What Triggered the Emergency Review

The meeting was called in direct response to two deadly incidents. On Thursday, a Kuki woman was killed in a gunfight between two rival groups at Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district. The following day, Friday, an ambush at New Heaven in Ukhrul district killed four Naga civilians, including two women, in an attack attributed to armed extremists. Together, the two incidents have sharply escalated concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the state.

Key Decisions from the Review Meeting

A senior official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said the meeting undertook a detailed assessment of the prevailing law and order situation and resolved to further strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable and sensitive areas. Security personnel deployed at various posts were directed to tighten coverage within their respective jurisdictions. The meeting also stressed the need for greater vigilance and improved coordination among the multiple security agencies operating across the state.

Deployment of security forces was reviewed comprehensively, with emphasis placed on preventing further incidents and restoring a stable security environment. The review also deliberated on measures to improve the overall security apparatus, particularly in districts that have witnessed recurring violence.

Who Attended the High-Level Meet

The meeting was attended by Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Manipur Director General of Police (DGP) Mukesh Singh, and Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo. Senior officers from the Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), other central security agencies, and officials of the state Home Department were also present.

COCOMI Slams Government Over Prolonged Unrest

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an apex organisation representing the Meitei community in Manipur, issued sharp criticism of the state government amid the renewed violence. In a statement, COCOMI alleged that the government's actions and what it described as continued inaction had raised serious questions about its commitment to restoring peace and normalcy.

The organisation alleged that the prevailing situation reflected the state government's role in what it characterised as a proxy war being waged by the Union government. COCOMI further questioned whether the Union government was deliberately allowing armed and disruptive elements to enter the state by extending logistical support to them — allegations the government has not yet formally responded to.

COCOMI said people were increasingly questioning the government's intentions, particularly as successive political leaders continued to appeal for public cooperation without meaningfully acting on constructive suggestions submitted by citizens. The organisation called on the government to accompany any appeal for public cooperation with concrete and verifiable action.

Broader Context and What Comes Next

Manipur has been gripped by ethnic violence and security instability for an extended period, with recurring incidents of armed attacks, ambushes, and civilian casualties continuing to challenge peace efforts. This is not the first high-level security review the state has convened — similar meetings have been held following previous spikes in violence, though a durable resolution remains elusive.

The intensification of combing operations and the renewed focus on inter-agency coordination will be closely watched in the coming days. Whether the latest security measures translate into tangible outcomes — and whether the government engages with COCOMI's demands — will determine the trajectory of the crisis in the near term.