GUWAHATI: Amidst escalating tension along the India-Myanmar border in Manipur, conflicting views seems to have emerged between Indian Army Chief of Staff, Manoj Pande, and Manipur Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh.
Addressing the press on Thursday, Army Chief Pande highlighted the close monitoring of the India-Myanmar border, revealing reports of Myanmar-based insurgent groups attempting to breach Manipur.
“In the past few months, approximately 416 Myanmar Army personnel crossed over, sparking concerns of spill-over effects on the India-Myanmar border. In response, insurgent groups, feeling the pressure, attempted incursions into Manipur, creating a dual challenge for security forces,” Pande was quoted as saying by a regional news portal.
To fortify the region’s security posture, Pande also informed about the deployment of nearly 20 Assam Rifles Battalions along the border.
However, the Army Chief’s assertion sharply contradicts the recent statement by Manipur Security Advisor Singh, who dismissed any involvement of Myanmar insurgents in the recent attacks on security forces in the border town of Moreh.
Speaking at the commemoration of Maharaja Gambhir Singh’s 190th death anniversary in Langthabal, Singh said, “No evidence of Myanmar-based militants has been found.”
Instead, he raised suspicion that Kuki village volunteers and suspected Kuki militants might be responsible for the attacks in Moreh.
The apparent contradiction between the Army Chief and the Security Advisor adds a layer of complexity to the evolving situation.
Pande, while acknowledging the challenges, assured collaborative efforts with the state administration and security agencies to stabilise Manipur and restore normalcy.
“Our efforts alongside these agencies will continue to make sure that normalcy is established, and the security situation remains stable,” Pande added.
