The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has issued a strong statement demanding the revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in Manipur’s hill districts. They describe the act as a violation of human rights and a discriminatory measure against the hill tribal population. KIM emphasizes that the Kuki-Zo areas have maintained relative peace, with insurgent groups operating under Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements and not engaging in conflict with the Indian Army or state authorities since these agreements were enacted.
Despite this peaceful history, AFSPA remains enforced exclusively in the hill districts while it has been revoked in the valley areas. KIM argues that this differential treatment is a glaring example of bias and discrimination against the tribal communities in the hills. The organization’s concerns are amplified by recent events, such as the pressure applied by the Arambai Tenggol militia on state legislators at Kangla Fort, Imphal, which resulted in the government’s decision to extend the withdrawal of AFSPA in the valley areas.
KIM also points to significant security concerns that have arisen in the valley following the withdrawal of AFSPA. Since the ethnic violence on May 3, over 6,000 arms and substantial ammunition were reportedly looted from state armories. Instances of interference by local Meitei groups in the activities of the Assam Rifles have been noted, with valley-based insurgent groups (VBIGs) reportedly being released under local pressure.
KIM stresses that the removal of AFSPA in the valley has compromised law and order, leaving the Kuki-Zo population vulnerable to Meitei aggression. They highlight the strategic decision to withdraw AFSPA from 19 police stations in Imphal Valley in March 2023, before the violence, while maintaining its imposition in the hill districts.
The organization emphasizes the necessity of the Assam Rifles’ presence for effective border management and counter-insurgency operations, especially given the ongoing security challenges posed by armed groups in the valley. With more than 6,000 sophisticated weapons still in civilian hands and VBIGs visible in Imphal Valley, KIM argues that a robust Central Security Forces presence is crucial.
KIM accuses the Manipur state government of misleading the Central Government through the partial removal of AFSPA, labeling it as a misuse of the state’s suggestive powers under the Act. The organization calls on the Central Government to either revoke AFSPA in the hill districts or, if deemed necessary, to re-impose it in the Imphal Valley, where they believe it is most needed due to the history of secessionist activities by Meitei insurgent groups.
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