Introduction:In response to the ongoing law and order issues and escalating violence in the state, the government of Manipur has declared the entire state a 'disturbed area' under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) for a period of six months. This significant move aims to address the prevailing unrest and ensure the safety and security of its citizens. However, it's worth noting that the 'disturbed area' status will not be imposed in areas under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations, including the state capital, Imphal.
Background of Unrest:
The decision to invoke AFSPA comes in the wake of fresh protests sparked by the kidnapping and brutal killing of two students belonging to the Metei community by suspected armed individuals. These tragic incidents led to widespread outrage, with scores of students taking to the streets and attempting to march towards the residence of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The situation escalated after images of the students' bodies circulated on social media. It's important to note that these protests followed the recent lifting of a nearly five-month ban on mobile internet services by the government.
Reasoning Behind the Declaration:
The Manipur government's notification cited "violent activities of various extremist/insurgent groups" as the basis for invoking AFSPA to assist civil administration throughout the entire state. The government emphasized that a detailed assessment of the ground situation was necessary, as security forces are currently occupied with maintaining law and order. Therefore, reviewing the 'disturbed area' status at this juncture was considered inappropriate given the sensitivity of the matter.
Public Response and Caution:
The government's declaration of the 'disturbed area' status acknowledged the potential for resistance and public criticism if not handled carefully. To address these concerns, the government announced the maintenance of the status quo in the declared areas. Chief Minister Biren Singh has also promised swift action against the perpetrators of the recent student killings. The case has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and a team from the agency has arrived in Imphal to conduct the investigation.
Investigation Details:
While the initial probe by the Manipur police suggests that the missing 20-year-old man and 17-year-old girl may have eloped on July 6, they ended up in an area dominated by the Kuki community while fleeing. Subsequently, they were allegedly abducted and murdered, according to the police's preliminary findings.
Conclusion:
The declaration of Manipur as a 'disturbed area' under AFSPA reflects the government's commitment to addressing the security challenges in the state. It is a complex situation with multiple factors at play, and the involvement of the CBI underscores the seriousness of the recent incidents. Maintaining law and order, ensuring a thorough investigation, and addressing the concerns of the public will be key priorities for the authorities in the coming months.
