Instability in Myanmar contributing to sporadic violence in Manipur: Eastern Command Chief Rana Pratap Kalita

“Everyone is aware of the situation in Manipur that developed after the violence on May 3. Thereafter, when we were called to help the Manipur Police and the CRPF to ensure law and order, the Army tried its best. Working together with the state government and all other stakeholders, we were able to bring the law and order situation under control in 7-10 days. Some sporadic incidents have led to certain escalations but dialogues are on at different levels…” said Kalita.

“The availability of a large number of weapons with both communities, as also the instability in Myanmar across the border, has certain implications for the situation in Manipur,” Kalita said.

He said the Army and the Assam Rifles, in concert with the state police and the CAPF deployed, have been able to control the violence to a large extent in Manipur, where the Meitei and the Kuki communities are at loggerheads with each other.

He added, “While reconciliation exercises are being carried out by the state and Central governments, our focus has been on reducing the violence parameters. Yesterday, the long-awaited transportation of mortal remains of people who died (in the ethnic violence) was carried out… In Kangpokpi, mortal remains of 90 persons have been cremated and in a couple of days, the burials and last rites will be completed in Churachandpur. I’m positive that things will improve.”

Asked about China’s move  to reportedly replace ‘Tibet’ with ‘Xizang’ in official diplomatic documents, he replied, “This would not impact our security apparatus. The Indian Army is all set to protect its sovereignty and integrity in the region at any cost.”

Reacting to people drawing comparisons between the 1971 war and the situation in Ukraine, Kalita said, “No wars are the same and no conflict can be termed similar… In 1971, it was in our interest to finish the war at the earliest due to other developments in the geopolitical domain…”

Remembering the contributions of war veterans, Kalita said, “The grand victory of 1971 continues to inspire all ranks of the armed forces, guiding us in our continuous endeavour to safeguard our nation against any potential threats…”

Highlighting the emotional bond between India and Bangladesh, Kalita said, “I am sure there is some emotional connection between both countries. Both countries have developed their own trajectories. Bangladesh has developed politically, and economically and it has become an important part of South Asia. In any relationship, there are ups and downs and highs and lows, those need to be sorted out with communication and cooperation from both sides and we are sure to work out the issues that are there to ensure total peace and development.”

Vijay Diwas is marked on December 16 to commemorate the win of the Indian armed forces over the Pakistan army in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. —with PTI inputs