In a recent statement that sparked political controversy, the Chief Minister of Assam claimed that Manipur’s situation was worse during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) rule. This claim sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by nations within different political regimes. Years of insurgency and security concerns in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur have created an urgent need to analyze the incidents and investigate the factors that contributed to the region’s destabilization.
Manipur has been scuffling with rebellion issues for decades. Various extremist groups operating in the region have demanded autonomy or secession from the Indian Federation. Under UPA rule (2004- 2014), the state faced major challenges in containing these extremist groups, performing in violence and loss of life. Assam CM’s argument calls for a comprehensive analysis of the security situation during this period. Assam CM also claimed that the situation got better since 2014 under Modi’s rule in the state Sarma claimed that Manipur endured a annihilation during the UPA. At least 991 civilians and security particular were killed during 2004- 2014. Manipur saw one of the worst leaguers in 2011, lasting further than 120 days. “In 2011, also Prime Minister did not indeed utter a word for those 123 days when Manipur was burning,” he wrote.
The UPA approach to the Manipur situation:
The UPA government’s counterinsurgency policy and strategy combined military operations, dialogue and development efforts. Critics, however, argue that the measure lacked a coherent and sustained effort, leading to an ongoing crisis of rebellion. One of the biggest criticisms of the UPA government was the lack of coordination between various security agencies and state governments. This lack of synergy often resulted in incomplete responses to insurgency, allowing insurgents to take advantage of the situation and continue their operations with relative ease. In addition, governance challenges and corruption within state governments hampered the effective implementation of development projects and welfare programs, further marginalizing local populations.
Manipur has a diverse ethnic community, each with different cultural identities and aspirations. Ethnic tensions have been a recurring problem throughout the state’s history, and the UPA government has struggled to adequately address these underlying grievances. The failure to address these sociocultural complexities has created alienation and dissatisfaction among diverse communities, making it difficult to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
The porous border between Manipur and neighbouring countries was also a major challenge, with the region’s proximity to Myanmar facilitating the cross-border movement of militants, weapons and illegal activities. The UPA government has had difficulty effectively blocking these routes of entry, resulting in continued instability in the state.
Manipur’s underdevelopment and economic disparity compounded the problem of the uprising. Despite several development programs, the region faces a shortage of infrastructure, education and employment opportunities. Economic growth and lack of opportunities have made many young people vulnerable to conscription by armed groups. The failure of the UPA government to address these issues has contributed to the worsening security situation by adding fuel to the fire.
The Assam CM statement on the situation in Manipur under UPA rule has sparked a broader discussion of the historical challenges facing the state and the complexities of counterinsurgency in the region. The UPA government attempted to address the problem through a combination of military measures and development initiatives, but lack of coordination, governance challenges, ethnic tensions, cross-border influence, and economic disparities hampered the success of its efforts. It is essential to learn from the past and work towards comprehensive solutions that involve a coordinated approach between the central government, state administrations, security agencies, and local communities. Political stability, economic growth, and addressing the grievances of various ethnic groups must be prioritized to ensure lasting peace and prosperity in Manipur. Only through sustained efforts and a holistic approach can the state overcome its historical challenges and create a path towards a brighter future
