Ten Militants Arrested in Manipur as Security Forces Intensify Operations
Joint security forces in Manipur have arrested at least ten militants from various banned outfits, including the KCP, PREPAK, and PLA, during intensified counter-insurgency operations over the past 24 hours. The arrests were made across six districts, including Imphal West, Imphal East, and the border district of Tengnoupal. Security personnel recovered arms, ammunition, documents, and currency. The crackdown reflects ongoing efforts to curb extremist activities and restore stability in the region, which has faced persistent security challenges.
Unpacked:
The KCP (Kangleipak Communist Party), PREPAK (People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak), and PLA (People’s Liberation Army) are Meitei insurgent groups in Manipur. They seek greater autonomy or independence from India, often citing ethnic, historical, and economic grievances. These groups have been active since the late 20th century and are involved in armed insurgency and extortion.
Manipur has experienced long-standing ethnic tensions among Meiteis, Kukis, and Nagas, with periodic outbreaks of violence. In 2023 and 2024, tensions escalated over court decisions about tribal status for Meiteis and land rights, leading to deadly clashes, displacement, and a resurgence of militant activities exploiting the chaos.
Militant groups persist due to longstanding ethnic grievances, difficult terrain, porous borders with Myanmar, and support networks that provide arms and funding. Weak governance, local discontent, and the ability to exploit inter-ethnic tensions also contribute to their resilience, despite periodic security crackdowns.
Security operations aim to restore order but often result in civilian hardships, such as displacement, restricted movement, and fear of violence. There are also concerns about human rights abuses under laws like AFSPA, which grants security forces special powers, sometimes leading to mistrust between communities and authorities.