What is the conflict between Manipur Police and Assam Rifles?
Manipur Police accuses Assam Rifles of bias towards the Kuki community, a claim the latter denies. (Photo credit: Wikimedia)
As the violence in Manipur continues, a recent conflict between the Manipur Police and the Assam Rifles has further complicated the situation in the state.
Manipur Police has registered an FIR accusing the Assam Rifles of blocking their vehicle after an altercation between the two groups last week.
The state unit of the BJP has also requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to replace Assam Rifles "by any other paramilitary force permanently" from the state.
This confrontation between the two forces followed the killing of three Meitei men by suspected Kuki militants, prompting accusations and demands for change.
What happened
On August 5, 2023, there was a standoff between the Manipur Police and the Assam Rifles in the Bishnupur district of Manipur. The standoff was sparked by the killing of three Meitei men by suspected Kuki militants.
The Manipur Police alleged that the Assam Rifles obstructed them from conducting a search operation in an attempt to locate the suspected militants. The Assam Rifles denied the allegations, saying that they were simply following orders.
The standoff led to a heated argument between the two forces, and the Manipur Police eventually filed a case against the Assam Rifles for obstruction of duty.
#ManipurViralVideo: Heated altercation erupts again between #ManipurPolice and #AssamRifles in Manipur. Manipur police on live video accuses AR of colluding with the #Kuki #militants.
— Ukhrul Times (@ukhrultimes) August 5, 2023
The incident occurred after few casper bullet proof vehicles of the 9th Assam Rifles blocked… pic.twitter.com/F66oQHmiPF
The police claim that the Assam Rifles parked their 'Casper' vehicle, thereby blocking the road and impeding their progress.
Why the conflict?
The roots of the confrontation are complex and multifaceted. Long-standing ethnic rivalries between the Meitei and Kuki communities have led to violence in Manipur. Manipur Police accuses Assam Rifles of bias towards the Kuki community, a claim the latter denies.
Another reason for the standoff is the lack of trust between the Manipur Police and the Assam Rifles. The Assam Rifles is a central paramilitary force that has been deployed in Manipur for many years.
Several factors contribute to the ongoing conflict between Assam Rifles and Manipur Police:
- Lack of trust: Allegations of bias have eroded trust between the two forces, hindering effective collaboration.
- Overlapping jurisdictions: Both forces have jurisdiction in Manipur, leading to confusion and potential clashes.
- Different priorities: Distinct command structures result in divergent approaches to law enforcement.
- History of violence: Past incidents of violence between the two forces have deepened mistrust.
Assam Rifles replaced by CRPF, police at key checkpoint
The Assam Rifles personnel deployed at the Moirang Lamkhai checkpoint in Manipur's Bishnupur have been replaced by police and CRPF personnel following an order by the Manipur government.
The notification came after several groups of women from the Meitei community, known as Meira Paibis, staged protests demanding the removal of the Assam Rifles from the checkpoint, reported India Today NE.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) of Manipur on August 7 informed that police will be deployed at Moirang Lamkhal's checkpoint on the Bishnupur to Kangvai road.
What is happening in Manipur?
Ethnic clashes have been ongoing in Manipur since May 3, 2023. The violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has resulted in the deaths of over 160 people and the displacement of thousands more.
The clashes were sparked by a Tribal Solidarity March held in the state's hill districts on May 3rd to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Meiteis account for about 53 percent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals - Nagas and Kukis - constitute a little over 40 percent and reside in the hill districts.
The violence has been particularly intense in the hill districts of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Senapati. Houses have been burnt down, people have been killed, and there have been reports of widespread looting and arson.
The Indian government has deployed thousands of security forces to try to restore order, but the violence has continued. The government has also imposed a curfew in some areas and suspended internet services.