The Hindu: Published on 19th Nov 2024:
Why in News:
Manipur remains engulfed in ethnic violence, with fresh unrest reported in the Jiribam district. The government announced the deployment of 5,000 additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and extended curfews in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Bishnupur districts. The violence involves confrontations between security forces and protesters, alongside attacks on political offices. The Congress has criticized the central government, demanding Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation and urging PM Modi to address the situation.
Historical Context:
Ethnic Tensions: Ethnic strife in Manipur dates back decades, mainly between the Meitei (majority) and Kuki-Zo (tribal minority) communities. The Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status has been at the core of recent disputes.
Events Since May 2023: Violence erupted earlier this year, with killings, displacement of over 60,000 people, and destruction of property. Clashes intensified in the aftermath of earlier attacks targeting women and children, further deepening animosity.
Importance of This Decision:
Security Reinforcement: The deployment reflects the government's recognition of the crisis's severity and its intention to stabilize the region.
Administrative Control: Ensuring law and order is critical for normalizing life and addressing humanitarian challenges like displacement and loss of livelihood.
Preventive Measures: Extending curfews and internet bans aims to curb misinformation and limit gatherings that could escalate violence.
Impact of the Decision:
Short-Term:
- Enhanced security presence may prevent immediate flare-ups and restore some degree of public confidence.
- A visible central government role might reduce criticism of inaction.
Long-Term:
- The situation demands political dialogue, reconciliation between ethnic communities, and robust rehabilitation programs for displaced populations.
- Failure to address systemic issues, such as demands for ST status and inter-community mistrust, could result in prolonged unrest.
