Centre, State set to review scope of AFSPA in Manipur

The news article focuses on the potential review of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur, a state that has been grappling with ethnic violence and security challenges. The Centre and the State government are set to evaluate the need for extending or modifying AFSPA’s scope, which remains a contentious issue due to its impact on security, civil liberties, and ethnic tensions.

Background and Current Context:

AFSPA's Role: AFSPA allows security forces sweeping powers to maintain public order in areas declared "disturbed." It is often extended in conflict-ridden regions, such as parts of Manipur, to empower the armed forces in counter-insurgency operations. The law has been controversial due to its alleged misuse and concerns over human rights violations.
Geographical Scope of AFSPA in Manipur:

Hill Districts: AFSPA remains enforced in all hill districts, largely inhabited by tribal groups such as the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities, who have experienced ethnic tensions and insurgent activity.
Valley Districts: AFSPA was gradually withdrawn from the valley districts since 2022 due to perceived improvements in the security situation. The valley districts are predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community.

Ethnic Violence: Since May 2023, Manipur has witnessed severe ethnic violence between the tribal Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, resulting in at least 237 deaths. The situation has exacerbated tensions and complicated the security landscape. Insurgent groups, particularly those operating from Myanmar, have reportedly taken advantage of the unrest, leading to increased incidents of extortion, abductions, and armed militancy.

Key Issues and Diverging Views:

1. Centre’s Concern: The Union government appears concerned about the increasing number of armed individuals, both in the hill and valley regions, and the rise in security incidents such as abductions and extortion. The government believes that the absence of AFSPA in the valley districts makes it harder for security forces to operate effectively.

2. State’s Perspective: The Manipur government, led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, argues that the situation is under control and not comparable to the severe instability seen in the 1990s. The State claims that the police are actively handling the situation, evidenced by arrests and enforcement actions. The government also seems resistant to re-imposing AFSPA in the valley districts, even though it acknowledges ongoing violence and unrest.

3. Differing Impact on Valley and Hill Districts: The hill districts, still under AFSPA, remain sensitive due to ongoing insurgencies and the activities of militant groups like the Kuki-Zo, who are in a suspension of operations pact with the Union Home Ministry. Meanwhile, the valley districts, where AFSPA is not enforced, are home to banned Meitei insurgent groups. The absence of AFSPA in these areas has raised concerns about the military’s ability to deal with the violence effectively.

Analysis:

Security vs. Civil Liberties: AFSPA is often seen as a double-edged sword. While it enables security forces to respond quickly to insurgency threats, its imposition also raises concerns about human rights violations and the alienation of local populations. The debate in Manipur echoes these larger concerns, as both the Central and State governments grapple with balancing security needs against civil liberties and local autonomy.
Ethnic Dimension: The ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities further complicates the security scenario in Manipur. The divergent needs and security concerns of these groups—one in hill areas with AFSPA and the other in the valley without it—illustrate how ethnicity influences governance and security policy in the state.
Insurgency and Cross-Border Challenges: The resurgence of insurgent groups, many of which operate from neighboring Myanmar, adds an international dimension to the crisis. The involvement of groups advocating secession complicates both internal security and diplomatic efforts with neighboring countries.
Future of AFSPA: The ongoing violence and insurgency activity will likely compel the Centre to reconsider AFSPA’s reintroduction in valley districts. However, there is political resistance from the State government and local communities. Chief Minister Biren Singh’s statement in the Assembly reflects the difficulty of using AFSPA as a blanket solution for law and order, especially when ethnic tensions are deeply entrenched.

Conclusion:

The review of AFSPA in Manipur highlights the challenges of governance in conflict-ridden regions. The Centre and the State must work together to ensure that security operations do not exacerbate existing ethnic tensions while also addressing the law and order situation effectively. The decision on whether or not to reintroduce AFSPA in the valley districts will require careful consideration of both immediate security needs and long-term peace-building efforts.

MCQs for Practice

1. What is the primary reason for the Centre's concern regarding the absence of AFSPA in the valley districts of Manipur?
a) Increasing number of armed men and difficulty in military operations
b) Declining economic activity in the valley
c) Increased insurgent activity in the hill districts
d) Lack of police presence in the valley districts

Answer: a) Increasing number of armed men and difficulty in military operations

2. Which of the following ethnic groups is primarily concentrated in the hill districts of Manipur?
a) Meitei
b) Naga and Kuki-Zo
c) Assamese
d) Garo

Answer: b) Naga and Kuki-Zo

3. What was the main reason for the gradual withdrawal of AFSPA from Manipur's valley districts starting in 2022?
a) Public protests against AFSPA
b) Significant improvement in the security situation
c) The imposition of new anti-insurgency laws
d) Pressure from international organizations

Answer: b) Significant improvement in the security situation

4. Which of the following statements is true about the insurgent groups operating in Manipur?
a) All insurgent groups in Manipur have peace agreements with the government.
b) Kuki-Zo militant groups are in a suspension of operations pact with the government.
c) Meitei insurgent groups have taken full control of the hill districts.
d) Insurgent groups only operate in the valley districts.

Answer: b) Kuki-Zo militant groups are in a suspension of operations pact with the government.

5. Why is the National Investigation Agency (NIA) involved in the current situation in Manipur?
a) To investigate local political corruption in the state government
b) To investigate transnational conspiracy by Myanmar-based terror outfits
c) To assess the effectiveness of the AFSPA in the hill districts
d) To provide legal assistance to arrested insurgents

Answer: b) To investigate transnational conspiracy by Myanmar-based terror outfits