Sep 21, Kathmandu- Security forces have been instructed to be on high alert on the northeastern border following information that 900 suspected terrorists have entered the Indian state of Manipur from war-torn Myanmar, an official said.

For more than a year, periodic clashes between the mainly Hindu Meitei majority and the Kuki Christian community, dividing Manipur into ethnic zones, have created unrest.

The hill-dwelling Kukis have cultural, familial and religious ties with Myanmar's indigenous communities. Since the seizure of power in Myanmar in 2021, dozens of armed groups have been fighting the army.

Kuldeep Singh, security adviser to the Manipur government, confirmed on Friday that he had received information from the local intelligence agency that suspected terrorists had crossed the border.

Singh said the border outposts have been 'alert' and security forces will conduct 'combing operations' in remote areas. After months of relative peace, at least 11 people were killed in Manipur this month in rocket and drone attacks between rebel groups.

Last week, Meitei protesters blamed the Kuki community for the latest attack. The Meiteis protested through the state capital Imphal demanding action against the Kukis.

There have been long-standing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities over land and public employment.

According to official figures, about 60,000 people have been forced to leave their homes due to the conflict between the two communities. At least 200 people have been killed.