Manipur Villagers Seek Deployment Of Central Forces As Uncertainty Looms Days After Violence

People of many communities in Manipur villages live under continuous threat days after violence hit the state.

Villagers at a relief camp in Manipur.

Source : PTI

Several communities in the villages of ethnic violence-torn Manipur are suffering from the aftermath of the conflict as they continue to live under uncertainty. The clashes between Meiteis and Kukis have resulted in disruption of normal lives for others in the state as well, reported PTI. As per the agency, in Ward Number 9 of Kwatka Municipal Council between Phuoljang and Phaogakchao villages, there is silent fear among inhabitants. They are scared because they witness unannounced gunfire and the alleged "nonchalant attitude" of local authorities time and again, PTI mentioned. 

Huts and walls of houses bear scars of arson and violence that rocked the state for over two months. PTI mentioned that the furniture and kitchen utensils are riddled with countless holes reminding of the danger that lurks outside. 

One of Phaogakchao villagers, Wahid Rehman describes the dire situation they find themselves in. 

"We are living on the edge, with no certainty about the future. The crossfire begins suddenly, and it can last for hours on end. We have seen some of our fellow villagers flee to nearby relatives to escape the situation, but for those of us who have nowhere else to go, we are forced to live with the constant reminder of the dangers we face," he says, as quoted by PTI. 

Some residents of the village say they feel abandoned by local authorities as violence unfolds in the close proximity of where they live. 

"The clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities started in May, just 2-3 km from this place. Since then, our peace has been destroyed. Nobody has come to understand the pain of our lives—neither the local MLA nor any government officials," Mayum, another villager, told PTI. 

As is the character of violence, the strife in Manipur has already taken a toll on innocent lives. PTI stated that several people, including a six-year-old child, fell victim to the firing and bomb blasts during the first week of this month. 

"We want the deployment of the Army, CRPF, or Assam Rifles in our village so that we can live peacefully," a frustrated Mayum shared his demands with PTI. It is not just Phuoljang, the Gurkha community residing near Kangpokpi and Imphal West also finds itself in a similar predicament. 

"We want peace. Someone must intervene to restore peace in this area," said Sanjay Bishta, a villager living near National Highway 2 in the Senapati district, as per PTI. 

The security forces have been continuously working to create buffer zones, such as the one established between Churachandpur and Bishnupur. However, the effort has not been able to contain the unrest. 

"Riots are not new to Manipur. Every six to seven years, some kind of riots have taken place. But this is completely different from any previous riots. We have never seen such a division within society," a security official told PTI, highlighting the gravity of the situation. 

As per the agency, when asked about the plans for the deployment of additional forces, the official emphasised, "We haven't seen any positive steps from either community (Kuki and Meitei) that indicate any truce in the near future." 

"Definitely, we require more personnel to create effective buffer zones in areas adjoining the hills and valley."  

An official from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) said, "We (CAPF) are compelled to step in and aid the civilian administration. Furthermore, civilians from both the Meitei and Kuki communities have started seeking our assistance for various matters." 

As per PTI, the current deployment in Manipur comprises approximately 165 columns with each having around 35-40 personnel of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles. Apart from these, there are 57 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 48 of the Border Security Force (BSF), and four of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are stationed in the state. Each has around 100 personnel.