Army Counters Accusations in Manipur, Assam Rifles’ Integrity Questioned
The Indian Army has responded to allegations questioning the role and integrity of the central security forces, particularly the Assam Rifles, in Manipur. Hostile elements have repeatedly made unsuccessful attempts to cast doubt on the intent and integrity of these forces, which have been working tirelessly since the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3. The Army’s Spear Corps clarified that occasional differences at the tactical level can arise among various security forces due to the complexity of the situation on the ground in Manipur. However, any misunderstandings are promptly addressed through a joint mechanism aimed at coordinating efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the region.
Two recent incidents were highlighted by the Army to illustrate the nature of these misunderstandings. The first case involved the Assam Rifles battalion strictly adhering to the buffer zone guidelines set by the unified headquarters. This was done to prevent violence between two communities in Bishnupur district. The second case, in which the Assam Rifles were mistakenly implicated, occurred in an area unrelated to their deployment. An Infantry Battalion of the Army had been stationed in the area since May 3, and it was this unit that was wrongly reported to have been moved out.
The Army and Assam Rifles reassured the people of Manipur that they would remain resolute in their actions to prevent any further violence in an already volatile atmosphere. Last week, the Manipur Police filed an FIR against the Assam Rifles’ ninth battalion, accusing them of obstructing police operations against militants in Bishnupur district. The police alleged that the Assam Rifles personnel blocked their movement on the Kwakta Gothol road. However, the Assam Rifles officers stated that their actions were intended to ensure the security of the people and prevent clashes between Kuki and Meitei cadres, as per the instructions from their command headquarters.
In response to criticism and public outrage, the Manipur government replaced the Assam Rifles with state police and the CRPF at a checkpoint in Moirang Lamkhai in Bishnupur following fresh violence last week. Various Meitei organizations, including the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and Meira Paibi, along with the ruling BJP in the state, have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to replace the Assam Rifles with a different central paramilitary force.
In their joint letter, the state BJP President A. Sharda Devi and Vice-President Chidananda expressed concerns over the impartiality of the Assam Rifles during the ongoing ethnic unrest in Manipur. They claimed that the force had failed to restore peace and normalcy in the state since May 3. However, it is important to note that the call for change comes from only certain organizations and political parties, and does not represent the entirety of public sentiment.
It is crucial to maintain a balanced view and consider different perspectives on the issue. The Army’s response highlights the challenges faced by various security forces operating in Manipur and emphasizes the ongoing efforts to address any misunderstandings through a joint mechanism. The situation in Manipur remains complex, and it is essential to work together to restore peace and harmony in the region.
