Rein in Civil Society Groups, Allow Security Forces to Function: Centre’s Stern Words to Manipur CM

The center told Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh that the manner in which security forces are being prevented from doing their job is unacceptable. The tough message came when the chief minister met union home minister Amit Shah who later briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation in the conflict-torn state.

The prime minister has been asked to rein in civil society groups that obstruct the work of the security forces. “They should be allowed to do the job for which they were sent,” a central government official told CNN-News18.

After the letter, N. Birn Singh met several civil society groups on Tuesday, including women’s group Mira Baby, civil society group COCOMI, all Manipur local clubs, etc. of violence against Kukis. Likewise, the central organs opened channels to talk to Cookie groups that obstructed the security forces and indulged in arson.

The Kokes and Mete groups held the armed forces hostage in the hillside villages. “Both the Kuki and Meitei groups have set up hideouts in their villages. Both sides are shooting at each other using looted weapons. The risk of being caught in the crossfire is real for the security forces,” a paramilitary officer told CNN News18.

On 24 June, the army was forced to release 12 armed men from Mitte after a 1,200-strong mob led by women demonstrators surrounded the soldiers. Among the 12 released were Kangli Yaul Kanna Lop (KYKL) and self-proclaimed commander Lieutenant Commander Muirangthen Tampa alias Uttam, a wanted terrorist suspected of being the mastermind of the 2015 Dogra ambush.

The protesting communities also closed two national highways: NH-37 and NH-2. The Kangkopi-dominated NH-2 via Kuki remained completely off-limits since the violence began while the longer NH-37 needed frequent intervention from CRPF-led forces for convoys to move. Sources told CNN-News18 that the prime minister’s clear directive is to ensure access to essential goods and services in Manipur.

The situation was complicated both in Imphal and the Hills as government employees fled from the Koki communities of the Imphal Valley and Metis from the Hills. To activate systems such as the Public Distribution System, employees were required to return to work or take unpaid leave. But officials said that without a sense of security, it would be difficult for employees to follow orders.

The assessment of the center is that if the army, Assam Rifles and paramilitary forces are allowed to do their work, the cycle of violence may stop. Directives have also been issued to require local police and management to fulfill their obligations professionally. Both sides accused the police and administration of acting on the basis of their bias towards their community.