The Union government on Thursday reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas of Manipur. The controversial Act grants special powers to the military to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”.

Most of the areas where it was reintroduced fall in the Imphal Valley area dominated by the Meitei community, which has had violent clashes with the tribal Kuki-Zo community since May 2023. On Saturday, an indefinite curfew was imposed in Imphal West due to massive protests after three bodies were discovered. They are suspected to be among the six women and children missing from Jiribam since Monday.

Inner Manipur MP and Congress leader Bimol Akoijam speaks to The Indian Express about the impact this move may have. Excerpts:

It indicates the insincerity and myopic ad hocism, which has been the hallmark of the Central government’s approach to the crisis.

It shows a severe lack of coordination between the state and Union governments on one level. On another level, it highlights how the Union government dictates to the state government. Unlike other states, Manipur is the only state where the state government imposes AFSPA in some areas and the Union government in others.

First of all, let me clarify that AFSPA is not just about a troubled history in Imphal but everywhere it has been imposed, including other areas in Manipur as well as states such as Nagaland, Assam, and Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, it has been a blot on the democratic credentials of the country.

Given that villages have been wiped out and people have been slaughtered in areas where this Act is already in effect, such as Moreh and Churachandpur, it is a questionable proposition.

That’s a dangerous interpretation, which raises questions about the neutrality and professional credibility of the armed forces vis-a-vis the present crisis. Unfortunately, many in the state perceive it this way, believing that the Government of India is siding with the Kuki community.