Unprecedented clash: Manipur Police lodge FIR against Assam Rifles

In a shocking turn of events, personnel from the Assam Rifles, India’s venerable paramilitary force, find themselves under scrutiny by the Manipur state police. An FIR lodged on Tuesday suggests a blockade by the 9th battalion of Assam Rifles against the Manipur police, preventing the capture of armed miscreants responsible for three tragic deaths in Kwakta, Bishnupur district.

Viral Video Sparks Outrage

The Manipur police have accused Assam Rifles of brazenly allowing the accused Kuki militants a free pass to safety. Their bold move, involving armoured vehicles, led to a fiery altercation caught on a viral video. This conflict is historically significant as the Assam Rifles operate under the central government’s purview and the Indian Army’s operational control, whereas the Manipur police are state-administered.

Assam Rifles faces obstruction charges by Manipur Police. Photo courtesy of jorono from Pixabay.

A Historical Feud Surfaces

These events have illuminated the simmering distrust between the Assam Rifles and Manipur’s citizens, stemming from the ethnic violence onset on May 3, claiming over 150 souls. Several civil society groups and state BJP lawmakers have pointed fingers at the Assam Rifles, questioning their impartiality during the turmoil.

The Call for Removal

In a bold gesture, on August 7, the state BJP leadership approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking the permanent eviction of Assam Rifles from Manipur. In response, the army fiercely defended the Assam Rifles, highlighting alleged attempts to tarnish the image of Central Security Forces. The Spear Corps took to social media platform ‘X’ to reassure the people of Manipur of their unwavering commitment to curbing violence.

Recent Developments Stir More Drama

The tension doesn’t stop there. On Monday, Assam Rifles personnel were reportedly swapped out for civil police and Central Reserve Police Force at a check post in Moirang, a strategic location between Bishnupur and Kangvai. Although the official reason remains undisclosed, this act hints at the increasing volatility of the situation.

As Manipur struggles to regain its equilibrium, Assam Rifles, together with forces like CRPF, Border Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and the Indian Army, continue their vigilant efforts to restore peace across the state.