Sangeeta Das
In Manipur, restoring peace has become an arduous task as both Meitei and Kuki groups have access to a large number of firearms. Moreover, instability in Myanmar has added to the issue of illegal immigration of people from the neighbouring country, elucidated the outgoing Eastern Army Commander General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Lt General RP Kalita.
Root Cause of Violence Pointed Out by Lt Gen RP Kalita
- Meitei and Kuki communities can avail weapons whether by stealing from Manipur Police or other sources or by obtaining from Myanmar. With this, the situation in Manipur can again flare up at any time, said Lt General Kalita at Fort William.
- Bharat’s border areas had to bear the brunt of conflict between the Junta and rival forces in Myanmar.
- Every time violent activities take place between the Myanmar Army and opposing forces, civilians from the border villages enter the Indian side seeking safe refuge. While few return after violence abates, others prefer to stay back.
- But surely this constant influx and movement of population across the borders leads to some sort of anxiety in terms of contraband and weapons smuggling.
- These challenges are accentuated by complex topography between Bharat and Myanmar, making it hard for the armed forces to dominate every inch of the border.
Actions by Defence Forces
- The responsibility of the armed forces to ensure the absence of violent activities has been successfully implemented in Manipur, where it was called due to the ethnic clashes between the Kukis and Meiteis.
- The armed forces have launched multiple joint operations and a number of weapons and ammunition have been seized in the last five months.
- Manipur Police jointly with the Assam Rifles have taken their biometric details and compiled their data.
- Efforts are being made by the Centre and the State Government to engage both the ethnic groups.
Solutions Suggested by Lt Gen RP Kalita
- At this point, seizure and recovery of the stolen weapons are of utmost importance to ensure weapon and violence free society.
- Dialogue is already taking place at the political and civil society levels of the two communities.
- Peaceful discussion is the only way forward for a permanent solution.
