In the last few months, Manipur has experienced various violent incidents in the last several months. The Kukis and Naga tribes launched a protest on May 3, 2023, against the possible extension of their benefits to the Meiteis. What appeared to be a protest turned violent and despite the government taking all possible steps, the violence never died down.
Over a period of time it became clear that there were vested interests who were trying to stall peace and ensure that no measures taken by the government would work. The violence was so bad that nearly 250 people lost their lives and 60,000 were uprooted in Manipur since May last year. Clashes occurred not just over government grants and quotas in jobs and education, but due to communal violence as well.
While the madness showed no signs of dying down, Biren Singh resigned as chief minister and this led to the imposition of President’s rule. Since its imposition on February 14, the security forces have managed to crack down on several gangs, cartels and vested interests who were fuelling the violence. Top terror commanders had been eliminated, and separatism was finished.
In J&K, the external factor is Pakistan, and its deep state ensures that terror and separatism thrive. Due to further pressure from political parties, the forces were not able to operate freely. Once there was no political interference, the forces got a free hand and this helped in the long run. Further, there was seamless coordination between the Indian Army and the local police which also ensured the success of the operations.
One could expect something similar in Manipur as well. The President’s rule would mean that the forces have a free hand to operate. Further, the coordination between the local police and central forces would be seamless. The idea of imposting the President’s rule was to ensure that the violence is curtailed and all actors fuelling this are brought under control.
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