The Indian Government has reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in several areas of Manipur as violence and ethnic tensions continue to escalate in the state. The decision, affecting six police station jurisdictions, includes violence-prone regions such as Jiribam and nearby villages that have been frequent targets of Kuki militants. This follows the recent visit of Assam Rifles Director General Lt General Vikas Lakhera to Churachandpur, where efforts were made to negotiate the release of six civilians, including women and children, who were abducted by armed militants.
The reimposition of AFSPA comes amid growing demands from various Kuki-Zo groups, who have called for restoring AFSPA protections in the Imphal Valley and for re-deploying Assam Rifles units in volatile areas like Churachandpur and Kangpokpi. Under AFSPA, regions declared “disturbed” permit armed forces to conduct searches, make arrests, and, if necessary, use force to maintain public order. In a recent notification, the Ministry of Home Affairs cited the continuing violence as the rationale for reapplying AFSPA in these areas.
The move follows a deadly confrontation in Manipur’s Jiribam district on Monday, where 11 suspected militants were killed in clashes with security forces. Tensions have continued to rise, with recent incidents including the abduction of civilians and attacks on local police stations and relief camps. The ethnic violence has largely involved the Meitei community, concentrated in the Imphal Valley, and Kuki-Zo groups, based in the surrounding hills. Since May last year, over 200 people have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced by the conflict.
With violence reaching new heights, the Home Ministry has deployed additional security forces to Manipur, bringing the total number of central armed police forces in the region to over 29,000. These forces include personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and other units from across India.
Local civil society groups, particularly from the Meitei community, have intensified their calls for government action, urging authorities to secure the release of abducted civilians and accusing central forces of allowing Kuki militants to breach the Suspension of Operations agreement. The Kangleipak Civil Society Organisation, an alliance of 13 civil bodies, condemned the alleged involvement of foreign militants, warning of the potential for a civil war if immediate action is not taken.
Amidst this intensifying conflict, leaders of civil society groups expressed frustration with the response of both local and national governments. They called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritizing foreign engagements over the deteriorating domestic crisis, accusing him of neglecting the welfare of women and children affected by the violence. They have also criticized BJP leadership in Manipur, particularly over perceived inaction regarding abducted civilians, and questioned the accountability of Meitei MLAs and ministers who have left the state amidst the crisis.
As the situation worsens, civil organizations have warned of intensified protests if their demands for intervention and resolution are not met, calling for both state and national leaders to address the escalating violence and security threats in Manipur.
