Assam Rifles Director General, Lieutenant General PC Nair, has clarified concerns regarding misleading videos related to the Manipur situation, asserting that many of these videos are doctored and do not originate from the Northeast.
Addressing the issue, LG Nair explained that numerous videos are from Myanmar and the Rohingya region, manipulated by individuals with hidden agendas to incite unrest. While acknowledging that some videos do depict incidents in Manipur, he pointed out that these are often partial clips taken out of context to distort the narrative.
“Many circulating videos are doctored. Out of 30 to 40 videos, a significant number don’t belong to the Northeast; they’re from Myanmar and other places, including the Rohingya region,” Nair stated.
“Certain individuals with hidden agendas are using these to show security forces in a negative light. Even the genuine Manipur videos are often partial, showing only fragments of incidents, leading to misinterpretation.”
He asserted Assam Rifles’ neutral stance since May 3 and dismissed allegations of bias as baseless rumours.
“From day one, Assam Rifles has maintained neutrality in Manipur. Claims of favouritism towards any community are mere rumours and falsehoods. These narratives are agenda-driven, and statistics can substantiate our unbiased role,” he asserted.
Discussing the broader security situation in the Northeastern region, Nair highlighted the spillover effects of issues in neighbouring countries like Myanmar. He noted the impact of insurgent groups and contraband movement on the region, particularly due to the common land borders and shared ethnicities.
“When assessing the security situation in the Northeast, it’s essential to consider neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Bangladesh, and even Nepal. Events in these countries, especially Myanmar, significantly affect us due to shared borders and ethnic ties. The change in Myanmar’s dispensation has led to increased insurgent activity, contraband movement, and weapon trafficking, impacting our region,” he explained.
Nair further commented on the spillover effects of the situation in Manipur, stating that it influences neighbouring States.
“What happens in Manipur doesn’t stay confined to Manipur; it often affects surrounding areas. Overall, the security situation is manageable but remains challenging with ongoing cases of insurgency and contraband movement,” he concluded.
LG Nair’s clarification aims to dispel misconceptions and highlight the complexities of maintaining security in the Northeastern region amidst external influences and internal challenges.
