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The ongoing violence in Manipur has reached a critical point, prompting the Indian government to reimpose the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas across five districts of the state. This decision, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday, comes in the wake of a deadly encounter between security forces and suspected militants in Jiribam, a region already grappling with escalating ethnic tensions. The reimposition of AFSPA signals a significant escalation in the security response to the escalating violence in Manipur.
The reimposed AFSPA will be in effect in the police station areas of Sekmai and Lamsang in Imphal West district, Lamlai in Imphal East district, Jiribam in Jiribam district, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi district, and Moirang in Bishnupur district. These areas were previously excluded from the AFSPA notification issued for six months starting October 1, 2024, due to their relatively stable conditions compared to other regions. However, the recent events in Jiribam, including the encounter and subsequent violence, have forced the government to reassess the situation and reinstate the controversial law.
The Jiribam encounter, which occurred on November 11, 2024, involved a group of heavily armed militants who attacked the Borobekra police station and a nearby CRPF camp in the Jakurador Karong area. The militants, dressed in camouflage and equipped with sophisticated weapons, fired indiscriminately at security forces before setting several shops ablaze in the nearby market area. This violent assault resulted in the deaths of 11 suspected militants during a gunfight with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. The following day, six civilians, including women and children, were abducted by armed militants from the same district, further highlighting the escalating insecurity in the region.
The recent incidents in Jiribam are merely the latest manifestation of the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur. These tensions, which have escalated since May 2023, stem from long-standing conflicts between different ethnic groups, particularly between the Meitei community and Kuki-Zo tribes. The unrest has resulted in at least 237 deaths and displaced over 60,000 individuals, forcing many to flee their homes and seek refuge in relief camps. The region has witnessed numerous violent incidents, leading to significant casualties and displacement of people.
The reimposition of AFSPA in these areas is likely to be met with mixed reactions. While some may view it as a necessary measure to curb violence and ensure security, others argue that it grants excessive powers to the military and has historically been used to suppress dissent and human rights violations. The controversy surrounding AFSPA, coupled with the ongoing violence in Manipur, raises serious concerns about the state's security situation and the effectiveness of the government's response. It remains to be seen whether the reimposition of AFSPA will achieve its intended goal of restoring peace and order in the region.
Source: Manipur violence: Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act reimposed in 5 districts including Jiribam