Manipur Government Considers 'One District, One Force' Strategy To Quell Ethnic Violence

Updated on: 28 September 2023 2:10 am

Protest over killing of Meitei youths in Manipur

In a bid to restore peace and normalcy to Manipur, a region gripped by ethnic violence since May 3rd, the Manipur government is contemplating the adoption of a "one district, one force" arrangement for enhanced coordination and operational efficiency among security forces. Under this proposed strategy, each district will be entrusted to the responsibility of one paramilitary force, aimed at ensuring accountability and reducing potential conflicts among the forces, according to a security official based in Delhi.

Security advisor Kuldiep Singh is expected to lead a unified command to reorganize security personnel throughout the state, implementing this "one district, one force" approach. The objective is to streamline operations, promote accountability, and foster better coordination between paramilitary forces and the state police. While an official order has not yet been issued, it is anticipated to take effect soon.

Presently, Manipur hosts over 200 companies from various paramilitary forces, all working in conjunction with the state police to quell the ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meiteis and Kukis, which have resulted in at least 175 casualties. The deployment of forces may leverage existing offices or camps, with the CRPF likely to have a significant presence due to its larger personnel strength.

Although no official statement has been made by the Manipur government, the move signals a concerted effort to restore peace in the region.

In a related development, an irate mob targeted a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mandal office in Manipur's Thoubal district, incensed by the recent killings of two students in the state. The mob vandalized the office, including destroying the gate, breaking windows, and damaging a parked vehicle. They further blocked the Indo-Myanmar highway using makeshift barricades, India Today reported.

Law enforcement agencies responded with tear gas, mock bombs, and live bullets to disperse the crowd, which retaliated with slingshots and stones. This incident follows a series of attacks on BJP offices earlier in June amid escalating ethnic tensions. In response to the unrest, student demonstrations erupted across various districts, including Bishnupur.

A clash between Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel and locals protesting the killing of the two missing students left 45 protesters injured. Subsequently, hundreds of students marched toward the residence of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, leading to further confrontations with security forces, who deployed tear gas and smoke bombs to disperse the crowds.