One of KYKL ultras freed by Manipuri mob planned 2015 ambush in which 18 soldiers died
In a dramatic development amidst the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, the Indian Army was forced to release a group of 12 militants belonging to the separatist organisation Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL). The militants were surrounded by a massive crowd of around 1,500 people, predominantly led by women.
Initially, the security forces had apprehended the militants along with a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and war-like stores in a carefully planned operation based on specific Intelligence inputs from Itham Village in Imphal East. However, their plans were thwarted when the surrounding mob swiftly intervened, preventing the security forces from carrying out the operation despite repeated appeals.
The decision to release the militants was defended by the Indian Army, describing it as a “mature” move that exemplified the humane approach of the armed forces. The Army cited the sensitivity of using force against a mob, particularly one led by women, and the potential for casualties as factors contributing to their decision. Consequently, all 12 militants were handed over to a local leader. One of the 12 militants who was released by the Army has been identified as the self-styled Lt-Col Moirangthem Tamba, also known as Uttam Lt-Col Tamba. He is considered the “mastermind” behind a notorious ambush in 2015 that targeted a convoy of the 6 Dogra Regiment, resulting in the tragic loss of 18 soldiers’ lives. The KYKL, to which Tamba belongs, is an insurgent group primarily comprising Meitei individuals. Established in 1994, KYKL is recognised as a banned terrorist organisation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The involvement of such a prominent figure within the group has added further weight to the concerns surrounding their activities and the need for sustained efforts to counter their operations.
The Army has said, acting on specific Intelligence, it launched an operation in Village Itham (6 km East of Andro) in Imphal East. “Specific search after laying cordon was undertaken to avoid hardships to other locals in the area. In the ensuing operation, 12 KYKL cadres were apprehended along with arms, ammunition, and war-like stores. Positive Identification of self-styled Lt-Col Moirangthem Tamba alias Uttam (Mastermind of 6 DOGRA ambush cases of 2015) amongst the 12 apprehended cadres was done,” the Army said in a tweet.
It further said that a mob of approximately 1,200- 1,500 people, led by women and the local leader immediately surrounded the target area and prevented security forces from going ahead with the operation.