The violence in Manipur has undergone a transformation, with Chief Minister N Biren Singh revealing a shift from clashes between communities to confrontations between security forces and insurgents. In an interview, Singh commented on the recent intense gunfights between security forces and insurgents in Moreh, a crucial trading town on the India-Myanmar border.
Over the past eight months, Manipur experienced periods of relative calm interspersed with incidents of violence. Singh clarified that the recent conflicts during the new year were primarily between state security forces and militants, marking a change in the conflict’s dimension.
Amidst the unrest, the Kuki tribes have urged the central government to remove state police from Moreh, alleging attacks on Kuki civilians. The Manipur Police, however, deny these allegations, attributing attacks on state police commandos to hill-based insurgents.
Singh called for the cessation of the Free-Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border, advocating for border fencing and a structured travel system with proper documentation. He emphasized the importance of implementing checks and balances to manage cross-border movement effectively.
Expressing suspicion about the involvement of foreign mercenaries in Manipur’s violence, Singh outlined the government’s efforts to restore normalcy. Under the guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah, discussions are ongoing through proper channels. Singh assured that total normalcy would be reinstated soon, with the government planning to provide ₹1 lakh each to displaced individuals within ten days to cover immediate expenses.
Blaming past governments for the current crisis, Singh pointed out the lack of attention given to Manipur’s issues during the merger in 1947-49. He highlighted the significance of well-established fencing and a pass system to control influx, emphasizing that earlier administrations left Manipur to address its challenges independently. Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for bringing development and security to the region, contrasting their approach with the perceived inaction of previous governments.
