AFSPA returns - A setback on the road to peace in Manipur

THE reimposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur marks a sombre turn in the state’s struggle for stability and peace. After years of gradual reduction in AFSPA-designated areas, recent escalations have led the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to reinstate the Disturbed Areas status in the jurisdiction of six police stations across the state. This decision reflects the grim reality that, despite past gains, Manipur’s path to peace remains perilously uncertain. AFSPA is controversial due to its broad powers, which allow the armed forces to act with significant immunity. This, in turn, has created an environment of mistrust between civilians and the military. In Manipur, its presence has often been linked with allegations of human rights violations, further complicating the peace process in a region where historical grievances already run deep.

While the MHA has cited ‘volatile’ conditions and “active participation of insurgent groups in heinous acts of violence”, the decision to reintroduce AFSPA as the most effective approach to quell these issues is questionable. The state’s challenges extend beyond insurgency and violence. Ethnic divides, regional grievances and economic stagnation have contributed to the unrest.

Manipur’s people, including the Kukis and Meiteis who are mainly embroiled in the conflict, deserve a future free from violence and repression. To achieve this, the Central government must prioritise non-military solutions, promoting dialogue, economic investment and social programmes that address the underlying issues fuelling the unrest. Enduring peace in Manipur will not come from the barrel of a gun but from comprehensive efforts to bridge divides and build trust. Re-imposing AFSPA may restore order, but it is a step backward in the quest for sustainable peace.

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Courtesy: The Daily Tribune 16th November, 2024