A few days ago, reports surfaced claiming a fight between the Meitei people and Kuki villagers, allegedly involving Manipur police. Additionally, there were allegations of a significant gunfight between suspected Kuki militants and Assam Rifles (AR) alongside Meira Paibis at Molnoi Village in Pallel, Tengnoupal district of Manipur.
Pro-Kuki accounts like @ITLFMedia_Cell have spread this misinformation. They further shared the news through local news portals such as @ImphalTimes. These actions have contributed to the potential rise of tensions in the region.
Meitei Militants Attack Pallel Village, Kills one AR jawan
— ITLFMediaCell (A) (@ITLFMedia_Cell) September 8, 2023
The Meitei militants, in conjunction with the notorious #MeiraPaibis, have once again embarked on their despicable campaign of attacking #Kuki_Zo tribal villages.
Today, on September 8, 2023 at around 7 AM IST, their… pic.twitter.com/pQc6vjKlXC
Heavy gunfight between suspected Kuki militants, clash between AR and Meira Paibis in Pallel area reported
— Imphal Times (@ImphalTimes) September 8, 2023
Heavy gunfight was reported today between the state security forces & the armed Kuki militants at Molnoi Village in Pallel of Tengnoupal district.https://t.co/moaGfRaBz2 pic.twitter.com/HGoDt3UEE7
The Facts
However, the incident, in reality, circled around a clash between security forces and armed individuals at Pallel Village. No evidence supports the involvement of Manipur police in attacking Kuki locals alongside Meitei militants.
The Manipur Police took to Twitter to dispel the misleading information, stating, “There are posts on social media regarding an exchange of fire between Kuki militants and Meetei village volunteers, which is not correct. It is explained that the incident was related to firing between security forces and armed miscreants at Pallel.” Thus, the claim of the Meitei people attacking Kuki villagers with the involvement of Manipur police is false.
Fact-Check Conclusion
In conclusion, the claims of a dispute involving Meitei people, Kuki villagers, and Manipur police, as well as a significant gunfight between Kuki militants and security forces alongside Meira Paibis at Molnoi Village, are entirely baseless. The actual incident centred on a conflict between security forces and armed individuals at Pallel Village. Manipur Police have categorically denied any involvement in an attack on Kuki villagers in Pallel Village or any association with Meitei militants in this context. Following comprehensive analysis and meticulous fact-checking, our team has investigated the claim. You can refer to the findings of this inquiry in the Twitter thread embedded below.
Claim: Meitei people attacked Kuki villagers with the assistance of Manipur police.
Fact: There is no reasonable evidence to support this claim. The incident in question was related to a clash between security forces and armed militants at Pallel Village.
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