27 bombs neutralised in Manipur's Imphal East district

The neutralisation of 27 bombs in Manipur's Imphal East district by security forces is a stark reminder of the persistent and volatile internal security challenges plaguing the state. This incident is not isolated but part of ongoing search operations initiated two years ago, following the outbreak of widespread ethnic violence. To truly grasp its significance, one must delve into the complex tapestry of Manipur's history, demographics, and geopolitical realities.

The background to the current unrest is deeply rooted in long-standing ethnic tensions, primarily between the majority Meitei community, who predominantly reside in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribal communities, who inhabit the surrounding hill districts. While historical grievances have always simmered, the recent conflagration ignited in May 2023. A key trigger was the Manipur High Court's directive to the state government to consider including the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. This move was vehemently opposed by existing tribal communities, including the Kuki-Zo, who feared it would dilute their reservation benefits, enable Meiteis to acquire land in the hills (currently restricted by law), and impact their political representation. Compounding this was the state government's intensified eviction drive against illegal encroachers in reserved and protected forests, which disproportionately affected Kuki-Zo villages, leading to accusations of targeting.

The immediate incident – the discovery and neutralisation of 27 bombs – highlights the continued presence of sophisticated weaponry and the intent to escalate violence. These operations are conducted by various security forces, including the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like the CRPF and BSF, alongside the Manipur State Police. Their primary role is to restore law and order, conduct area domination, recover illegal arms, and curb the activities of armed groups. The fact that such a large cache of explosives was found underscores the depth of the security challenge and the involvement of various actors, including potentially armed groups exploiting the ethnic divide.

Several key stakeholders are involved in this crisis. The **Central Government**, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, is a crucial player, deploying central forces and attempting to mediate peace. Its constitutional duty, as enshrined in **Article 355**, is to protect states against internal disturbance. The **Manipur State Government**, led by the Chief Minister, faces immense pressure to maintain law and order, provide relief, and initiate dialogue. However, its perceived bias by different communities has made its task challenging. The **Meitei community** seeks protection of their land and cultural identity, and many support the ST status demand. The **Kuki-Zo tribal communities** demand greater autonomy or a separate administration, fearing marginalisation and loss of land. Furthermore, various **insurgent groups**, both those previously under Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements and others, have been implicated in the violence, often exploiting the communal fault lines for their own agendas.

This situation matters immensely for India. Firstly, it poses a severe threat to **internal security** in the strategically vital Northeast region, which shares sensitive borders. The prolonged conflict strains central resources and diverts attention from other critical issues. Secondly, it challenges the very fabric of **national integration** and federalism, with communities feeling alienated and questioning the state's ability to protect them. Thirdly, the economic and social **development** of Manipur and the broader region is severely hampered, discouraging investment and perpetuating poverty. From a geopolitical perspective, Manipur's border with Myanmar makes it susceptible to cross-border arms and drug trafficking, connecting it to the infamous 'Golden Triangle' and potentially impacting India's **Act East Policy** by destabilising a key gateway to Southeast Asia. The humanitarian crisis, with thousands displaced and lives lost, also reflects poorly on India's human rights record.

Historically, Manipur has a long history of insurgency dating back to its merger with India in 1949. Various groups have demanded secession or greater autonomy. The **Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958**, has been in force in parts of Manipur for decades, granting special powers to security forces, though its application has been controversial and partially withdrawn in some areas. The current ethnic conflict adds another layer of complexity to this already volatile region, moving beyond traditional insurgency versus state conflict to a full-blown inter-communal strife.

Looking ahead, the implications are profound. The discovery of bombs suggests that the conflict is far from over and could escalate further. The deep-seated mistrust between communities and the state government will require sustained, impartial efforts towards reconciliation. A lasting solution will necessitate comprehensive political dialogue, addressing land rights, resource sharing, and administrative arrangements. The Central government's continued intervention, potentially under **Article 355**, is crucial, but a purely security-centric approach will be insufficient. Without genuine efforts to bridge the ethnic divide and ensure justice, Manipur risks becoming a protracted zone of instability, with devastating consequences for its people and significant ramifications for India's internal security and regional aspirations.