Meitei Police, Kuki Police” remark by Assam Rifles ex-chief triggers backlash

A recent comment by former Assam Rifles chief Lt. Gen. P.C. Nair, hinting at a perceived ethnic bias within the Manipur Police, has ignited a fresh wave of controversy in Manipur. The comment, referring to the “Meitei Police” and “Kuki Police,” has drawn sharp criticism from Manipur Police officials, who slammed the statement as “immature” and a reflection of a “myopic mindset.” The controversy has further complicated the already volatile situation in the state, which has been grappling with ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

Assam Rifles comments stir controversy in Manipur

Lt. Gen. P.C. Nair’s statement about the Manipur Police’s alleged ethnic partisanship in handling the ongoing ethnic conflict has not gone down well with state authorities. Officials from the Manipur Police countered that such remarks undermine their efforts to restore peace. They described the comments as indicative of a limited perspective on the complexities faced by law enforcement in the state.

The backdrop to this controversy is the violent ethnic strife that erupted in Manipur in May 2023, following a Tribal Solidarity March by Kuki groups opposing the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. This unrest has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 70,000 displaced and dozens killed. The situation has polarized the state along ethnic lines, with the valley-dwelling Meitei community and the hill-dwelling Kuki tribes locked in a protracted conflict.

Political divide deepens over Assam Rifles deployment

The debate over the former Assam Rifles chief’s remarks comes amid heated political tensions in Manipur. A group of 40 Meitei legislators recently demanded the removal of the Assam Rifles, accusing them of failing to act impartially. They suggested replacing Assam Rifles with more “trustworthy” central forces, stating that the paramilitary force’s presence has exacerbated the situation.

Meanwhile, 10 Kuki legislators strongly opposed this demand, emphasizing the critical role of Assam Rifles in maintaining peace and safeguarding the tribal areas. They asserted that any move to withdraw the Assam Rifles would compromise the security of the tribal population. The Kuki MLAs argued that Assam Rifles have been unbiased in handling the conflict, and their removal could lead to an escalation of violence.

Law enforcement clashes add fuel to the fire

Tensions have also boiled over between the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police. A recent altercation between the two forces in Bishnupur district led to an FIR filed by Manipur Police against Assam Rifles personnel, accusing them of obstructing police duties. This incident has further strained relations and has brought into question the coordination between state and central forces.

Expert opinion: A deepening crisis of trust

Experts suggest that the conflict in Manipur is not merely a law enforcement issue but also a crisis of trust between communities and the state. The remarks by Lt. Gen. Nair and the subsequent backlash underscore the delicate balance required in conflict management. Experts argue that any public statement by officials should consider the fragile situation on the ground to avoid inflaming ethnic sentiments further.

The call for an emergency session of the Manipur Assembly to address the ethnic strife reflects the urgent need for a political solution. However, the road to peace seems fraught with challenges, given the sharp divisions within the political and community leadership. The ongoing demands for a separate administration for Kuki areas and the Meitei community’s insistence on greater state control highlight the complex nature of the conflict.

The way forward: Balancing security and community trust

The central government and Manipur’s political leadership face the daunting task of balancing security needs with community trust. Experts suggest that an impartial third-party mediation might help bridge the divide. In the meantime, maintaining a neutral stance among security forces is critical to prevent further erosion of trust among the warring communities.