The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in a rare acknowledgment, has attributed the surge in insurgency-related violence in the North-East region in 2023 to the ethnic strife in Manipur. The insights were shared in the MHA’s annual report, released on January 1, 2025, highlighting the impact of inter-ethnic tensions and insurgent activities on regional security.
Key Highlights from the MHA Report:
- Manipur’s Contribution to Northeast Violence:
- Manipur accounted for approximately 77% of all violent insurgency incidents in the Northeast in 2023, recording 187 of the 243 total incidents.
- The state has been impacted by activities of multiple insurgent groups, including Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Zomi, and Hmar outfits.
- Ethnic Violence in Manipur:
- Large-scale violence erupted on May 3, 2023, between the Meitei and Kuki communities, leading to casualties, injuries, and widespread arson.
- Although law and order are primarily a state responsibility under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, the Centre has actively supported Manipur during the crisis.
- Counter-Insurgency Operations:
- In 2023, counter-insurgency efforts in Manipur resulted in:
- 33 insurgents killed.
- 184 insurgents arrested.
- 49 weapons recovered.
- 80 insurgents surrendering with 31 arms.
- In 2023, counter-insurgency efforts in Manipur resulted in:
Broader Insurgency Trends in the Northeast:
- Region-wide Statistics (2023):
- 243 insurgency-related incidents were reported.
- Losses included 38 civilians and eight security personnel.
- 99 kidnappings occurred.
- Operations led to:
- 40 insurgents neutralized.
- 407 insurgents arrested.
- 147 arms recovered.
- A total of 1,595 insurgent cadres surrendered, turning in 459 weapons.
- Improved Security Since 2014:
- The Northeast has seen a substantial decline in insurgency:
- 71% reduction in incidents.
- 60% reduction in security personnel casualties.
- 82% decline in civilian deaths.
- The Northeast has seen a substantial decline in insurgency:
- Data Comparison (2022):
- 201 incidents were reported in 2022, resulting in:
- Seven civilian deaths.
- Two security personnel deaths.
- Six insurgents killed.
- Arrests and surrenders included:
- 563 insurgents arrested.
- 2,023 insurgents surrendered.
- 394 arms surrendered, 279 recovered.
- 201 incidents were reported in 2022, resulting in:
Government Measures and Assistance:
- Financial and Logistical Support for Manipur:
- The Centre released ₹247.26 crore in special assistance to Manipur by March 31, 2024.
- An additional helicopter with a ceiling of 430 hours annually was sanctioned in February 2024 to improve law enforcement and connectivity in Manipur.
- Regional Connectivity:
- The MHA administers a helicopter subsidy scheme in remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur to enhance accessibility and support operations.
Implications of the Report:
- Acknowledgment of Challenges:
The report signifies a rare public admission of the security challenges posed by the ethnic strife in Manipur, linking it directly to the larger insurgency trends in the Northeast. - Focus on Counter-Insurgency:
The data underscores the ongoing efforts and challenges in combating insurgency while ensuring regional stability. - Need for Sustainable Solutions:
The persistent ethnic tensions and insurgency activities highlight the need for long-term measures to address underlying issues, including socio-economic disparities and inter-ethnic grievances.
This detailed report reflects the complexity of maintaining peace in the Northeast and the critical role of both state and central governments in mitigating insurgency and fostering stability.
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Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes, focusing on the relevance of the topic for UPSC aspirants. Students should stay updated on further developments and refer to official sources for comprehensive preparation.
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