The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ordered the deployment of 20 additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies, comprising around 2,000 personnel, to Manipur in response to recent attacks and law and order issues.
Recent Gunfight and Casualties
- On Monday, a clash between security forces and insurgents led to the killing of at least 10 suspected militants.
Long term Factors behind Manipur Unrest
- Historical Conflict: Ethnic tensions between Kukis (hill tribes) and Meiteis in Manipur stem from competition for political, economic, and cultural recognition.
- Ethnic Fault Lines: Meiteis, making up slightly over half the population, mainly reside in the Imphal Valley, while Kukis and Nagas inhabit the hill districts, with limited representation in business and politics.
- Meitei Dominance: Comprising 52% of the population, Meiteis hold political sway with 40 of 60 Assembly seats, despite hill areas covering 89% of Manipur’s land.
- Land Issues: Meiteis are confined to the Imphal Valley, about 10% of the state, and cannot buy land in tribal areas, while tribals can purchase land in the valley.
- Delimitation Issues: The 2020 delimitation raised Meitei concerns over Census data not accurately reflecting demographics.
- Drug Trafficking and Crime: Proximity to the Golden Triangle fuels cross-border crime, exacerbating regional unrest.
- Migrant Influx: Post-Myanmar coup, refugee influx in Churachandpur stirs fears among Meiteis, especially around land and poppy cultivation.
- Autonomy Demands: Ethnic groups like Nagas and Kukis push for greater autonomy or separate administrative units.
- Insurgent Presence: Various insurgent groups heighten tensions.
- AFSPA Implementation: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act grants military authority, sparking allegations of human rights abuses and fueling resistance.
Immediate Factors behind Manipur Unrest:
- Meitei ST Status Demand: Since 2012, the Meitei community has sought Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, claiming historical tribal recognition lost after Manipur’s 1949 merger with India.
- High Court Directive: In April 2023, the Manipur High Court directed the state to consider Meitei ST status, sparking fears among Kukis about potential land access in hill areas, leading to protests.
- Government Eviction Drive: In February 2023, Manipur’s government evicted Kuki households from forest land, which tribal groups viewed as targeting legitimate residents.
Steps to Normalize Manipur Situation:
- Victim Rehabilitation: Identify and rehabilitate victims with government and civil society support, fostering local involvement in decision-making.
- Disarmament: Prioritize disarming civil society to reduce violence.
- Combat Fake News: Counter biased media reporting and expose misinformation.
- Inclusive Dialogue: Engage all ethnic groups in dialogue, inspired by the 1986 Mizoram Accord.
- Transparency and Fairness: Ensure a fair legal system to build trust and prevent power misuse.
- Evaluate ST Criteria: Reassess criteria for ST status following guidelines like the Lokur Committee recommendations.
- Border Surveillance: Strengthen Myanmar border surveillance to control infiltration.
- One District One Force (ODOF): Assign one security force per district to improve coordination and accountability.
- AFSPA Repeal: Repeal AFSPA to address human rights concerns and improve trust in security forces.
