Manipur has become the center of attention for Indian politics as two ethnic communities in and around the Imphal valley engage in violence.
In this episode, we will focus on how the government has responded and military deployment.
The ongoing Manipur violence has been the focus of national politics since its onset. The state and the central government claimed that the situation was under control; however, intermittent hostilities between Meitei and Kuki groups continue. The two have also warned that the threat of a civil war in the state looms at large.
On May 3, 2023, soldiers from Assam Rifles and the Indian Army were deployed in various violence-stricken regions of the state. A shoot at sight order was issued by the government of Manipur on May 4, following which over 9000 civilians were relocated. More than 43 thousand people were relocated in the next two days under army supervision.
An article published on the Hindu mentioned the following:
“The Army and Assam Rifles were requisitioned on the night of May 3 and 4 for the areas of Churanchandpur, Imphal and Kangpokpi districts. The violence was arrested by (Thursday) morning by columns of the armed forces along with the State police,’ a defence spokesperson said.”
“More than 7,500 people have been provided shelter in defence set-ups and State government premises at various places. Flag marches are being conducted to keep the situation under control and shifting of the villagers to safer areas away from locations of violence is under progress,’ he added.”
The deployment of troops by the center resulted in hill-based militant groups seizing the opportunity and attacking the Indian army; however, five militants were killed after several engagements with the troops.
Fresh violence was reported on May 14 from the Torbung area. According to reports, unidentified arsonists burnt down properties that included houses and vehicles. Following the incident, five companies of the Border Security Force were deployed.
While the army played a major role in maintaining peace and order, Assam Rifles have been criticized for being biased. The Manipur BJP has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to replace Assam Rifles with another paramilitary force.
The party in its memorandum to PM Modi said:
“The role of Assam Rifles in regard to the ethnic unrest and in maintaining peace and tranquility in the state has been under considerable criticism and public outrage… Since Day 1 of the violence on May 3, Assam Rifles has failed to maintain neutrality so as to restore peace in the state”
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