In the wake of weeks of ethnic violence and unrest, the Army Chief General Manoj Pande embarked on a two-day official visit to Manipur, a northeastern state in India. His primary objective is to assess the ground situation and strategize ways to restore peace and normalcy. The state has been reeling under the aftermath of violent clashes that erupted on May 3 following a tribal solidarity march against the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the Meitei community.
To address the volatile situation, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have deployed a substantial force of 135 columns, with each column comprising approximately 100 personnel. Their primary mandate is to defuse the tension by exercising control over sensitive and fringe areas in Manipur. By carrying out domination operations, they aim to establish a sense of security and provide a conducive environment for peace to prevail.
During his visit, General Manoj Pande will engage with local formation commanders and troops, enabling him to gain firsthand knowledge of the ground realities. This interaction will allow him to comprehend the challenges faced by the security forces and devise effective strategies to restore normalcy.
Furthermore, General Pande is scheduled to meet with key stakeholders, including Governor Anusuiya Uikey, Chief Minister N Biren Singh, and Chief Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh. These meetings will facilitate a comprehensive discussion on the current situation and explore the way forward in terms of restoring peace and stability in the region.
The violent clashes in Manipur have had a severe impact, claiming over 70 lives, displacing more than 30,000 people, and leaving over 200 injured. The conflict has exposed deep-seated ethnic fault lines within the state. The Meiteis, who constitute around 53% of the population and primarily reside in the Imphal Valley, have been at odds with the Kuki-Zomi tribes, who make up approximately 16% of the population and predominantly inhabit the hill districts. The Naga tribes, comprising 24% of the population, also contribute to the complex ethnic dynamics.
In response to the crisis, the army and Assam Rifles have evacuated around 35,000 civilians to safe zones and provided them with immediate relief and humanitarian aid. However, sporadic incidents of violence continue to hinder efforts to restore normalcy, underscoring the persistent ethnic divisions and the need for reconciliation.
The unrest began on April 19 when the Manipur High Court directed the state government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to submit recommendations to the Union government regarding the inclusion of Meiteis in the ST list. The state currently grants 31% reservation for STs in jobs and education. This decision triggered a series of events that culminated in the violent clashes and subsequent displacement.
As General Manoj Pande undertakes this crucial visit, the hope is that his assessment and consultations with key stakeholders will pave the way for effective measures to restore peace, harmony, and reconciliation in Manipur. The Indian Army’s presence and efforts, coupled with the commitment of the state government, are vital in stabilizing the situation and ensuring the well-being of all communities in the region.
