The escalating violence in Manipur has reignited a contentious debate over the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). As protests against the government turned violent, demonstrators ransacked residences of ministers and MLAs, setting several properties ablaze, and prompting demands for the withdrawal of AFSPA from select areas of the state.
The unrest follows the recovery of six bodies from the Barak River in Jiribam, believed to be victims of abduction by Kuki militants. The discovery of these bodies, including women and children, has heightened tensions between communities and fueled anger over the perceived inefficiency of law enforcement and governance in handling the prolonged crisis.
AFSPA, enacted in 1958, grants special powers to the armed forces in “disturbed areas,” allowing them to conduct operations, arrest individuals, and use force without prior approval from civilian authorities. While proponents argue the law is necessary to maintain security in insurgency-prone regions, critics see it as a tool for human rights violations and unchecked military action.
Manipur has long been a flashpoint for tensions related to AFSPA, with civil society groups and activists alleging that the law disproportionately affects civilians and exacerbates violence. In recent months, the act was withdrawn from several areas, signaling progress toward normalization. However, the Centre’s decision to reimpose AFSPA in six police station jurisdictions following renewed violence has drawn sharp criticism.
The Manipur government formally requested the Centre to review and withdraw AFSPA from the affected areas. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), representing Meitei civil society organizations, issued an ultimatum for military action against militants and called for the immediate repeal of AFSPA, accusing the government of using the law as a shield to avoid resolving underlying issues.
Protesters argue that AFSPA fuels resentment and alienates local communities, hindering efforts to restore peace. The act’s reimposition has been perceived as a step backward in the state’s efforts to de-escalate tensions.
The unrest has drawn national attention, with Congress leaders sharply criticizing the BJP-led government. Rahul Gandhi called the ongoing violence “deeply disturbing” and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the state and take decisive action. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of fostering division for political gains, stating that the situation in Manipur reflects a failure of governance under the “double engine government.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who had planned to attend election rallies in Maharashtra, cancelled his schedule and returned to Delhi for urgent discussions. Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry warned that strict action would be taken against individuals engaging in violence or disruptive activities.
The violence has raised concerns about potential spillover into neighboring states, with the Mizoram government advising residents to exercise caution to prevent communal unrest. The deployment of additional security forces, including CRPF, has brought temporary relief, but experts warn that AFSPA’s presence could hinder long-term reconciliation.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
