BLUNT INSTRUMENT

• Manipur, torn by ethnic conflict for over 19 months, continues to grapple with escalating violence and a lack of effective governance. The reimposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police stations marks another chapter in the state’s troubled history.
• While the action may be intended to restore law and order, it risks deepening the mistrust between communities and the government, particularly in a state where opposition to AFSPA has been strong for decades.

Ethnic Tensions and the Role of AFSPA:

• The ethnic faultlines in Manipur have always been central to its politics. The conflict erupted after the Meitei community demanded Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which was met with resistance from the Kuki-Zomi groups.
• As tensions rose, the conflict displaced thousands and claimed numerous lives. Volunteer defense committees have emerged, and looted weapons continue to be used, exacerbating the violence. The state's response has been inadequate, focusing primarily on law and order rather than addressing the deeper political and social issues.
• The imposition of AFSPA—an act that gives sweeping powers to the military—could worsen the situation, as it has historically been met with resistance in the region.

Historical Opposition to AFSPA:

• AFSPA was first imposed in Manipur in 1958 in select districts and later extended to the entire state. Its controversial powers, allowing security forces to arrest without warrants and use force against civilians, led to widespread resentment.
• Notably, activist Irom Sharmila led a 16-year hunger strike against the Act, while a 2004 commission under Justice Jeevan Reddy recommended its repeal. Although AFSPA has been rolled back in many parts of the Northeast due to declining militancy, Manipur remains an outlier.

Political and Administrative Failures:

• Manipur’s ongoing strife highlights the failure of both the state and central governments to address the political and administrative issues at the heart of the conflict. Once a prosperous region, Manipur now lags behind in most socio-economic indicators.
• The reliance on AFSPA as a tool of governance, rather than a comprehensive political solution, has failed to bring lasting peace. The state’s government and the Centre must focus on healing the rifts between communities, ensuring justice, and addressing the political grievances that fuel such conflicts.

The Need for a Different Approach:

• AFSPA’s reimposition might temporarily restore order but is unlikely to resolve the underlying issues in Manipur. To move forward, both the central and state governments must go beyond blunt security measures and address the root causes of the conflict through dialogue and reforms. Political solutions, not military ones, are essential for long-term peace in Manipur and the region.