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The ongoing conflict in Manipur, marked by violence and unrest, has taken a new turn as the state government, led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, has demanded control of the Unified Command overseeing security operations. This move, indicative of a potential power struggle between the state and the central government, comes at a crucial juncture, with the state experiencing widespread violence and displacement. The BJP, in power at both the state and central levels, finds itself grappling with the delicate issue of maintaining peace and order in Manipur.
The Unified Command, currently managed by Union Home Ministry officials, the state security advisor, and the Army, is responsible for coordinating security operations in the state. The Chief Minister's demand to hand over control of the Unified Command to the elected state government highlights the growing tension between Imphal and New Delhi over the handling of the crisis. This demand is rooted in the state government's desire for greater autonomy and control over security operations within its territory, reflecting a perceived lack of trust in the central government's ability to effectively address the situation.
The state government's list of demands also includes the scrapping of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the government and Kuki insurgent groups. This demand, echoing the sentiments expressed at an all-party meeting earlier this year, aims to empower security forces to conduct full-scale operations against insurgents and quell the ongoing violence. The SoO agreement, aimed at facilitating dialogue and reducing violence, has come under scrutiny as the situation in Manipur has deteriorated, leading to calls for its cancellation.
The Chief Minister and his cabinet have also called upon the Centre to ensure peace in the state and protect its territorial integrity. This demand reflects the state government's anxieties over the ongoing ethnic clashes and the potential for external interference. The call for completion of border fencing and deportation of illegal migrants underscores the state government's concerns about security threats and the need to protect its borders. The demand for a National Register of Citizens exercise further reflects the state government's emphasis on securing its borders and controlling immigration.
The conflict in Manipur has its roots in long-standing ethnic tensions between the Meitei community and the Kuki tribes. The Meitei community, seeking inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes category, and the Kuki tribes, demanding a separate administration, have clashed violently, leading to widespread displacement and loss of life. The ongoing violence has highlighted the deep-seated grievances and power imbalances that have festered for years, creating a complex and volatile situation.
The Chief Minister's demands, while reflecting the state government's desire for greater control and autonomy, also point to the need for a comprehensive solution that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict. A negotiated settlement that acknowledges the concerns of all communities, promotes reconciliation, and ensures a peaceful and inclusive future for Manipur is crucial to ending the violence and restoring normalcy in the state.
Source: Manipur Chief Minister Seeks Unified Command Control To End Violence