Security forces dealing with strong tribal affiliations, scattered police in Manipur: Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi

There is coordination among security forces in Manipur, but they are dealing with strong tribal affiliations in the region and a scattered local police force, Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi suggested Monday.

“The overall perspective on Manipur as of today is that the tribal affiliations have taken a strong line. But we have to work with the whole of nation approach to ensure that the reconciliation takes place. And I am very hopeful with the new Governor (former home secretary Ajay Bhalla) who has gone there that the step towards this will be taken,” the Chief of Army Staff said while addressing the Army’s annual press conference.

Responding to a question on the lack of coordination among forces deployed in Manipur, Dwivedi said that it was thanks to the central forces that there was some coordination on the ground.

“There is no lack of coordination among forces. But we have to understand which side is where. When this problem occurred in May 2023, the police from various communities…it was very difficult for them to go to different community areas. So, thereafter, the DGP had issued orders that you go to the nearest police station whichever community you belong to. So that at least you take on those duties,” he said.

“When you take on those duties you find that the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and other CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces)…we have to coordinate with those people in whichever areas they are. Rather these three agencies are the only ones which are able to provide the coordination,” he added.

The state of Manipur has been wracked by ethnic violence since May 2023, leading to the death of over 200 people. Clashes between the Meitei and Kuki populations in the state have resulted in them getting geographically separated, with the Meiteis withdrawing to the valley and Kukis going to the hills. The social rift has also reflected in the police force with Kuki policemen being restricted to police stations in the hills and Meitei policemen manning those in the valley. The police have also faced accusations of partisanship based on individual policemen’s ethnic identity.

General Dwivedi on Monday, however, said external dimensions to the conflict could also not be ruled out.

“There are some activities taking place on the Myanmar side. It is claimed that the rebel groups are fighting with the Myanmar Army. As a result, there is a migration that is taking place so there is an influx of refugees. There was a time when even the soldiers from the other side had walked into this side. We have made sure that all those who are coming here are treated as refugees and due respect, consideration and harbour should be provided,” he said.

“As far as the situation on the other side is concerned, if there is no support to the VBIGs (valley-based insurgent groups), these people are also coming in… Therefore some kind of surrender is taking place. We are disarming them and allowing them to go, after which police is looking after them,” he added.

Dwivedi said that the Indian Army was in regular contact with the Myanmar Army. “We are interacting with each other in due harmony and making sure that the exchange of information and support which is required in terms of intelligence is provided from both the sides,” he said.