Stating that the ongoing dialogue at the political and civil society level is the only way forward for a permanent solution in the ethnic violence-hit Manipur, Eastern Army Commander Lt General RP Kalita on Wednesday said the availability of firearms with the rival groups and influx of people from outside are the key challenges in restoring peace in the Northeastern state. Speaking to mediapersons at Fort William here, Lt General Kalita, who is set to retire on December 31, said: “The availability of weapons with both the communities (Kukis and Meiteis), whether stolen from Manipur police armoury or obtained from Myanmar, continues to pose a challenge. We need to recover all the weapons. We have to ensure that society remains free of all kinds of weapons.” The Eastern Army commander said the armed forces have launched numerous coordinated operations and a number of weapons and ammunition have been recovered in the last five to six months. Stating that fighting between the Myanmar army and rival forces in areas has increased near the border with India, especially Manipur, Kalita said that in such a situation, civilian population from the villages located close to the border come to the Indian side seeking refuge. “Some people arrive and then return, while some stay back. But definitely, this continuous influx and movement of population across the borders causes some sort of anxiety in terms of contraband and weapons smuggling," he said. The Manipur Police, backed by Assam Rifles, has taken the biometric details of these people and their data is being compiled,” he added. Lt General Kalita said even in the absence of AFSPA in the valley area of Manipur, the Army has not been facing any problem “because we have great relationships with the state police and state bureaurcracy”. Lt General Kalita also said that the armed forces were ready to face any challenge in the eastern theatre, bordering China. “In the last 5 to 10 years, a lot of focus has been given on infrastructure development but still a lot needs to be done. I am sure in another couple of years, we will be able to match the capabilities of China's People's Liberation Army. As of now, they have a certain amount of advantage over us in certain specific areas. Otherwise, we have been able to match," he said. On priority areas for infrastructure development in border areas for dual civil-military use, Kalita said road connectivity up to the border posts, data communication and mobile connectivity, helipads and airports in the remote areas top the list. "Because of large distances involved and these areas being prone to landslides, snowslides, and avalanches, we need to depend on helipads and ALGs (advanced landing grounds) to a large extent," he added. With PTI Inputs
