Counter-insurgency operations have sometimes been seen as favouring one ethnic group over another, either intentionally or due to logistical priorities, thus aggravating existing tensions. Net result—unwarranted tragedy abounds.
By William Dumpty
Insurgency and Counter-insurgency operations in Manipur, and the broader Northeastern region of India, have in the last few decades resulted as one of the factors or rather a major driver of elite leaders led ethnic tensions, including the recent clashes in Manipur. The complex dynamics in Manipur stem from several factors, including the presence of various armed groups representing different ethnic communities, long-standing territorial claims, and a history of building counter narratives to the Indian state’s version of the entire phenomena and New Delhi’s apparent indifference. This is why the Centre seems to be waiting for a solution to be dropped like the “manna from heaven” while ground realities aggravates.
Role of Counter-Insurgency Operations
Militarization and Use of Force:
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been in force in Manipur and other Northeastern states for decades, giving security forces broad powers to arrest, search, and use force without warrants. This has led to numerous allegations of human rights abuses, including fake encounters, arbitrary detentions, and extrajudicial killings. While these operations are intended to combat insurgencies, they often fuel resentment among the local population, especially ethnic communities who perceive the state as an oppressor.
Ethnic Fragmentation and Insurgency:
Manipur is home to multiple ethnic groups, primarily the Meitei, Naga, Kuki-Zo, and others. The state has seen insurgent movement after its merger with India in 1949. Many of the ‘ethno-nationalism’ based groups have their own insurgent factions. Counter-insurgency operations often target these groups, but such actions has also deliberately or inadvertently escalated tensions between ethnic communities. It has the potential to heighten feelings of victimization and deepen inter-community mistrust.
Territorial Disputes and Ethnic Loyalties:
Many ethnic groups in Manipur have territorial claims that overlap with each other, leading to covert and overt conflicts over land. Counter-insurgency operations have sometimes been seen as favouring one group over another, either intentionally or due to logistical priorities, thus aggravating existing tensions. For instance, operations that aim to disarm one insurgent group may empower rival groups, fuelling ethnic violence. Or it can be Central paramilitary or even the Army allegedly using some groups to meet their objective of dealing with armed insurgency directed at New Delhi.
State-Security Apparatus Imposed Narratives and Identity Politics:
The Indian state and its security agencies’ narrative of national security and sovereignty, which guides counter-insurgency strategies, often oversimplifies the region’s socio-political complexities. This approach can marginalize indigenous perspectives and fuel identity politics. Ethnic groups, already in competition for political and economic power, may view the state and its security apparatus as a tool for suppressing their cultural or political aspirations, leading to further polarization. Despite this, most mainstream media narrative heightens degrees of stereotypical narratives based on either incomplete information or half-backed knowledge of the ground realities.
Retaliation and Cycle of Violence:
Ethnic insurgent groups often retaliate against state forces or rival groups in response to counter-insurgency actions. This cycle of violence frequently spills over into ethnic clashes, as groups seek retribution not only against state forces but also against rival ethnic communities perceived to be aligned with the state or insurgents. These retaliatory attacks can then trigger widespread ethnic violence, such as what has been witnessed in Manipur since May 3, 2023.
Civil-Military, Ethnic Conflict and Human Rights Violations:
The heavy-handedness of counter-insurgency operations has often sparked civilian unrest, particularly in ethnic minority regions. The militarized environment has led to mass protests, crackdowns, and violent confrontations between civilians and the military, further eroding trust between the state and various ethnic communities. Historically, it was alleged that most violations of human rights in the state were perpetrated by the state mandated security forces. However, now there are alleged complaints and even stark cases of ethnic based armed groups abducting and killing members of other communities.
Manipur’s Recent Clashes: A Reflection of Long-Standing Tensions: The most recent ethnic clashes between the Meitei and the Kuki-Zo communities, which escalated in 2023, are linked to many of these issues. However, it would be worthwhile to note that many of these clashes have resulted as a fallout of misled leadership of the respective elites of their own communities. These clashes can also be seen as an outcome of long-standing grievances, exacerbated by:
- Demands for autonomy by various ethnic groups.
- Perceptions of unequal political representation and discrimination.
- News Delhi’s counter-insurgency strategies, which some groups see as biased or disproportionately targeting them.
Observation:
Historically, counter-insurgency operations in Manipur, while aimed at curbing insurgent violence, have often followed a cycle of ethnic unrest. The state’s militarized response has aggravated pre-existing ethnic tensions, as groups feel marginalized, leading to greater inter-ethnic violence. Resolving these issues will require not just a security approach but a political solution that addresses ethnic grievances, territorial claims, and the quest for autonomy in the region. The focus should shift towards dialogue, inclusive governance, and reducing militarization to foster long-term peace.
(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Frontier Manipur or any affiliated entities).