File photo of Indian Army personnel patrolling in a Manipur village.
New Delhi/Imphal: The Manipur government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for an additional six months, starting Tuesday. This decision comes in response to the ongoing ethnic unrest and deteriorating law and order situation in the state. The extension does not apply to 19 police station areas within the Imphal valley and a region bordering Assam.
Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic conflict, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki communities, since May 2023. The violence has claimed approximately 300 lives and displaced tens of thousands. The conflict stems from competition for land and employment opportunities, with the Meitei community predominantly inhabiting the Imphal valley and the Kuki and Naga tribes residing in the hill districts.
Recently, the state witnessed a sharp escalation in hostilities, with warring factions employing drones and rockets, as previously reported by India Sentinels.
The state’s security forces, comprising various ethnic groups, have struggled to restore peace. The government’s decision to extend AFSPA aims to bolster the efforts of security agencies in managing the volatile situation.
A notification issued by the Manipur home department cited ongoing violent activities by extremist and insurgent groups as the primary justification for the extension. The notification stated that the current security climate necessitates the continuation of AFSPA to ensure public safety.
The government also noted that conducting a detailed ground assessment was infeasible due to security agencies’ preoccupation with maintaining law and order. The notification highlighted the sensitivity of the issue and the potential for public criticism if the “disturbed area” status were to be reviewed prematurely.
Areas excluded from AFSPA
The extension does not apply to 19 police station areas within the Imphal valley, predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community. These areas include Imphal, Lamphel, Imphal City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Iribung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching and Jiribam.
The “disturbed area” status was initially withdrawn from the Imphal Municipality in 2004 and subsequently from 15 police stations across six districts in April 2022. In April 2023, the status was lifted from four additional police stations.
AFSPA, which grants special powers to the armed forces, has been in effect in Manipur since the early 1980s. The act allows the military to conduct operations, search premises and arrest individuals without a warrant in areas designated as “disturbed”. It also provides immunity to the armed forces from prosecution without central government sanction.
The act has been a subject of controversy, with critics arguing that it leads to human rights violations. However, proponents assert that it is necessary to maintain public order and combat insurgency in the region.
The extension of AFSPA underscores the rising threat of militancy in Manipur. The state has witnessed an increase in violent activities by insurgent groups, which have been exploiting ethnic tensions to further their agendas. The presence of these groups poses a significant challenge to the state’s security apparatus.
Currently, there are several armed insurgent groups active in the state, which operate both from the Meitei-dominated Imphal valley and the Kuki-Zo-dominated hills. These groups have been involved in various activities, including armed attacks, extortion, and drug trafficking. Their presence has significantly impacted the socio-political landscape of Manipur, contributing to the ongoing conflict and instability in the region.
The government’s decision to extend AFSPA reflects its renewed commitment to addressing security concerns and restoring normalcy in the region. However, it also highlights the complexities involved in balancing security measures with the protection of human rights.
