November 19, 2024 – India has announced the deployment of 5,000 extra paramilitary personnel to Manipur in an effort to curb ongoing violence in the northeastern state. The move comes after renewed ethnic clashes left 16 people dead last week.
For over 18 months, Manipur has been gripped by tensions between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the largely Christian Kuki community, leading to widespread violence and the division of the state into ethnic enclaves.
Last week, 10 Kuki militants were killed in a confrontation with police, sparking retaliatory violence. Six Meitei civilians were later found dead in Jiribam district, escalating unrest in the region.
Government Response
A government source confirmed that 50 additional companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), each consisting of 100 troops, will be deployed by the end of the week. The CAPF, overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs, plays a crucial role in maintaining internal security.
The Business Standard reported the deployment decision as an urgent step to stabilize Manipur, which has already witnessed the deaths of at least 200 people and the displacement of tens of thousands since violence erupted last year.
Tensions Remain High
Manipur’s capital, Imphal, has been under a renewed curfew and internet shutdown since Saturday. Violent protests erupted following the discovery of the six Meitei bodies, with incensed crowds attempting to storm homes of local politicians.
Several lawmakers’ homes, particularly those associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), were reportedly damaged in arson attacks.
Ethnic Strife and Displacement
The ongoing conflict stems from deep-rooted competition over land and jobs between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Rights groups have accused political leaders of exploiting ethnic divides to consolidate power, further fueling the unrest.
The violence has also displaced tens of thousands of people, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis in the state, which shares a border with Myanmar, itself embroiled in conflict.
The latest developments highlight the need for long-term strategies to address ethnic grievances and restore peace in Manipur.
