Can Huge Arms Recoveries Restore Peace in Manipur?

Imphal, Aug 3 (NationPress) Since the imposition of President’s rule in Manipur on February 13, more than 2,000 arms, predominantly sophisticated, along with over 20,000 rounds of assorted ammunition, have been surrendered or seized, aiding in the restoration of peace and normalcy in the conflict-affected state.

The Centre plans to extend President's rule in Manipur for an additional six months starting August 13, with a statutory resolution being presented to the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha recently approved the resolution under Article 356 of the Constitution.

From June 14 to July 28, more than 870 arms and 12,820 rounds of various ammunition types were recovered during coordinated operations by Central and state forces in the Imphal Valley and mountainous regions. Up until March 6, approximately 1,000 looted and illegally held weapons, many being advanced arms, along with substantial ammunition, have been returned by various organizations and individuals following Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's initial appeal on February 20.

Reports and political factions have indicated that during the ethnic riots that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, over 6,000 sophisticated arms and countless rounds of ammunition were unlawfully taken from police stations and outposts by mobs, attackers, and militants.

The effort to reclaim the looted and unlawfully held arms began on May 31, 2023, when former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh urged all concerned to return the firearms that had been taken from security forces and police armories.

According to officials, before Singh's resignation as Chief Minister on February 9, a total of 3,422 firearms had been voluntarily surrendered to various authorities and police stations across different districts. Alongside the large-scale recovery of arms and ammunition, security forces, comprising the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and Manipur Police, conduct daily operations to recover weapons and ammunition from both the Imphal Valley and hill districts.

Manipur's Director General of Police, Rajiv Singh, stated that arms and ammunition retained by certain individuals and militants must be returned to the authorities, emphasizing that dialogue between the conflicting communities would promote the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state. He asserted that a “reduction of weaponization in society” would significantly assist in normalizing the situation and achieving peace.

“Manipur Police and additional Central forces are tirelessly working to recover arms and ammunition that were looted from police and other security forces following the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023,” remarked the senior IPS officer recently selected for the Director General (DG) of Central forces.

In a notable development, with the situation improving, the Manipur government has initiated the resettlement of those displaced by violence. The state has set up over 300 relief camps in both Imphal Valley and hilly areas to provide shelter for over 57,000 displaced individuals, including men, women, and children, following the ethnic violence that erupted over two years ago.

A senior government official indicated that most displaced individuals are expected to be resettled in their original villages by December this year.

Despite the target date of December (2025), around 9,000-10,000 displaced individuals may not be able to return to their homes, particularly those from regions like Tengnoupal, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi districts. These individuals will be provided accommodation in prefabricated houses.

The resettlement process commenced after a series of discussions with various ministries of the Union government, including the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Financial aid of Rs 3.03 lakh per family will be granted to those whose homes have been destroyed, while a one-time payment will be provided to families with partially damaged homes after two years of abandonment.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, alongside Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Kumar Deka, recently visited the state and reassured the violence-affected displaced individuals in Manipur that plans for their resettlement are being developed in close collaboration with district administrations.

The MHA officials have conducted multiple rounds of meetings with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) representing Meitei and Kuki-Zo tribal communities to seek a peaceful resolution to the ethnic crisis.

During discussions regarding the statutory resolution to prolong President's rule in Manipur, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai noted in the Lok Sabha last week that there has been only a single casualty in the state since the imposition of Central rule on February 13.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla recently affirmed that peace and normalcy are re-establishing in the state due to the collaborative efforts of the government, Armed Forces, and CSOs. “Many lives have been lost, and thousands have been displaced due to the ethnic violence in Manipur. The government has implemented various measures to resolve the crisis and restore peace and trust. Joint operations by combined teams of state police and Armed Forces have successfully recovered a significant number of firearms and ammunition in recent months,” stated Bhalla.

In light of a few incidents involving farmers, the Manipur government has ensured adequate security for them in vulnerable fringe areas, allowing cultivators to proceed with their agricultural activities without disruption. Some district administrations have proactively ensured the continuity and safety of agricultural activities in their respective fringe areas by deploying Flying Squads comprising Sub-Deputy Collectors (SDCs).

In a significant update, the 134th edition of the Durand Cup, recognized as Asia’s oldest football tournament, commenced on July 30 in Manipur after a two-year hiatus due to the ethnic conflict in the northeastern state. Six group stage matches are scheduled at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal, until August 12.

Writer and intellectual Raj Kumar Kalyanjit Singh remarked that the dark chapter of ethnic conflicts is concluded, and the recent actions taken by the Centre and the state government, in partnership with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), have facilitated the return of peace and normalcy in the state.

“Both Meitei and Kuki-Zo CSO leaders have now realized that dialogue and mutual support offer greater benefits for all communities than conflict,” Singh, who edits a Manipuri vernacular newspaper, informed IANS.

(Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujitchakrabortyne@gmail.com)