manipur-on-edge-as-central-forces-pulled-out-for-lok-sabha-polls

At a time when the state is witnessing continued protests against the proposed withdrawal of Central troops from conflict-ridden Manipur, the state government has announced that some forces will be pulled out for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. 

 

The move has sparked concerns among local residents, particularly in the peripheral areas of the valley districts.

 

On Thursday evening, Kuldiep Singh, Security Advisor to the Manipur government, met with Governor Anusuiya Uikey to discuss the state’s prevailing law and order situation. 

 

A statement from the Governor’s secretariat detailed the briefing, noting the deployment of Central forces in fringe areas with mixed populations to prevent any untoward incidents.

 

During the meeting, Singh informed Governor Uikey that some forces would be temporarily withdrawn for the Lok Sabha elections but are expected to return once the election process concludes. 

 

“Central forces are being engaged in guarding state armouries and escorting vehicles along the two national highways, NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur road) and NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam road),” the statement read. Singh assured that redeployment would take place after the elections.

 

Governor Uikey urged the security advisor to take all possible measures to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the safety and security of the people.

 

Since the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3 last year, the Manipur government has deployed a significant number of Indian Army, Central paramilitary forces, and state police personnel in numerous vulnerable areas, mostly in the foothills, to prevent further clashes. 

 

However, the proposed withdrawal has led to sporadic protests, primarily led by women, in various peripheral areas of the valley districts.

 

Protesters argue that the conflict is not over and fear they will be left vulnerable if the security forces are pulled out. They have called for the cancellation of the withdrawal orders and demanded the deployment of new forces of their choice before the current troops are removed.

 

The situation remains tense as villagers in some areas have insisted on the immediate deployment of new forces to ensure their safety.