Manipur: As CM orders bunkers’ removal, forces & people sceptical if it would curtail clashes

During a press conference in Imphal, Singh announced that the operation to destroy bunkers would be led by the Indian Army. Defence sources, however, said this was easier said than done.

“Over a month ago, the government announced we would do a combing operation to disarm civilians who looted guns. We all know it has gone nowhere. Only about 1,500 of over 4,000 looted guns have been surrendered. Since an announcement has been made, the Army and other forces assisting it will do their job. But without people’s willingness, this is unlikely to be successful,” an officer said.

Another officer from the Manipur security establishment wondered if there was any point in destroying bunkers when people continued to possess guns. “Right now the bunkers have created a de facto buffer zone with Meiteis on one side and Kukis on the other. The armed forces are in the middle, maintaining peace. As long as people have guns and they are firing, it is immaterial whether bunkers are there or not. The only difference will be you will not know where the fire is coming from,” the officer said.

During combing operations to recover looted guns, the forces were instructed to use minimum force and the establishment largely relied on persuading people to surrender guns through the involvement of civil society representatives and politicians.

“In this operation too we are not going to use any force. The idea is to persuade people to dismantle their bunkers. We will assure them of security. We will deploy adequate forces in vulnerable areas. Some of this work has already started. Just because we have failed to make people surrender guns, we can’t sit back and hope things will get better. We have to make things happen. If this idea does not work, we will think of something else,” a senior Manipur police officer said.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) said it “vehemently opposes” bunker destruction as they are essential to protect Kuki villages from raids.

Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella body of Meitei civil society organisations, however, has supported the move but underlined it would depend on security forces ensuring the safety of Meitei villages. “Meitei civil society supports the government decision. ITLF has its own agenda of separate administration. Something has to be done. But yes, the government has to ensure the safety of Meitei villages from Kuki militants,” COCOMI spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba said.

A Meitei village defender said, “The CM can announce whatever he wants. But it is we who are protecting our villages for the past two months, not the forces. We will see what needs to be done.”