The government sent 90 additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to Manipur in order to restore peace and check worsening violence in the state, which had recently been adversely disturbed by rising armed conflict and communal tensions.
The decision to deploy more forces was taken after a series of violent incidents, including the murder of its young member-the ALTIA-related torching of 18 houses-in the Khoijumantabi village of Bishnupur district. Ethnic discord between the Kukis and the Meiteis, which has been lingering and inflaming rage among people, also arose as a bloody revolution steered the path and complicated the security challenge.
Government’s Response to Unrest
These forces have therefore contributed to valuable reinforcement-whose units will include members from the BSF, CRPF, and several others-that commenced under only a tactical plan to nip this fresh eruption of violence in the bud and also bolster security. Moreover, some anti-drone systems are put on to defend against any specified onslaughts from the insurgents, especially along the borders.
Manipur’s Security Advisor, Kuldiep Singh, adds at the seat of apparent confusion that these steps are meant to calm tempers and ensure safety for the residents. He mentions that the additional CAPF forces were placed at the disposal of the state police and other existing central forces to prevent any incursion in sensitive zones and restore order and commence relief for the victims.
Background and Challenges
Citing overreactions in the matter of people wanting quick fixes in violent attempts, the Central government also sought talks of reassurance towards monitoring sensitive sections of the state while working with a balanced hand during an action-oriented approach regarding conciliation between conflicting groups. Development efforts in the afflicted zones should go forward as speedily as possible, trying to heal the socio-economic conditions that tend to be cited as some of those very roots of unrest.
Violence in Manipur has claimed more than 180 lives and displaced thousands since May. The situation appears to be increasingly volatile, marked by frequent clashes, in which armed groups and civilians engage. The tensions have their origin in disputes related to the right to land, autonomy of the tribe, and representation in politics.
While all attempts to reconcile leaders between Meiteis and Kukis have borne little fruit under the ever-present shadow of mutual distrust, initiatives are underway, conducted by the local authorities and the civil society actors alike, to push for dialogue that would pave the way for lasting peace.
The deployment of the additional troops of the Central Armed Police Forces indicates the government’s push to deal with the crisis urgently. Experts, however, reiterate that military interventions must be supplemented by peace-building efforts on a sustained basis that encompass dialogues, community engagements, and just policy initiatives to preempt future outbreaks of violence.
