Manipur Congress leader and MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has raised concerns over the recent imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in areas under six police stations in Manipur.

 According to the Congress MP, this marks the first time the Central Government has imposed AFSPA in the state, a move that has sparked significant attention. Historically, the state government had been responsible for such decisions.

“Even though this is the first time that the Government of India has taken this step to impose AFSPA by itself (following the amendment in 1972, the power to impose AFSPA has been concurrently given to the State as well as the Central Governments), the last few cases of impositions were carried out rather surreptitiously and/or extra-constitutionally by the Union Government (insofar as the decision on the imposition were taken/announced publicly by the Union Home Minister before the state government formally issued the notification later after the CM publicly thanked the Home Minister for the decision). This time around, that veil covering the surreptitious/extra-constitutional control over the State Government by the Union Government has been discarded as it has chosen to impose AFSPA by itself in areas under six police stations in the state,” wrote the Congress MP.

 The imposition comes amid ongoing turmoil in Manipur, which began in May 2023.

The Central Government’s decision, according to a Gazetted notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs dated 14 November 2024, aims to conduct coordinated operations to maintain security and address insurgent activities. 

The situation remains complex, with areas under AFSPA imposed by both state and central authorities, creating a unique scenario in Manipur.

 The effectiveness of this latest imposition is questioned, as previous measures have not succeeded in restoring peace. 

Akoijam emphasizes the need for sincere political will to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy in the state.

The National People’s Party (NPP) Manipur has issued a strong appeal for peace, urging the Kuki-Zo and Hmar communities to introspect and deliberate on the escalating crisis in the region. The appeal comes in the wake of a troubling incident in Jiribam, where armed militants abducted three Meitei women and three children following a violent attack on the Borobekra Police Station and the Jakuradhor Karong CRPF camp.

 The abductions occurred after retaliatory gunfire from security forces resulted in the death of 10 armed militants. According to reports, these militants had attacked both the police station and the CRPF camp and were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire. The NPP Manipur expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased but emphasized that the deaths were a consequence of the militants’ aggression. The party condemned the subsequent actions of abduction and arson, calling them unwarranted and urging all parties involved to prioritize the safety and well-being of innocent civilians.

“This incident is a grave violation of human dignity, and such actions will only harm any prospects for peace,” said an NPP spokesperson. “The civilized world will strongly condemn this brutal act, and we believe it will significantly hinder any efforts to restore peace in the region.”

In addition to appealing to the Kuki-Zo and Hmar communities, the NPP also reached out to key political figures, including the MLAs of Jiribam, Md. Ashabuddin, and Tipaimukh, Ngursanglur Sanate. The party urged them to take immediate and decisive action to resolve the crisis peacefully. Furthermore, NPP called upon Dr. Chaltonlien Amo, former MLA of Tipaimukh, who holds considerable influence over the Hmar community in the Jiribam area, to intervene and help secure the release of the abducted civilians.

 The NPP also made a special appeal to the Director General of Assam Rifles, as well as all relevant officers, including the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) and sector commanders, to use their influence to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals.

 The NPP urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to personally intervene and leverage his influence to bring about a satisfactory resolution to the ongoing crisis. The party emphasized that the people of Manipur would be deeply grateful for any efforts made to end the violence and bring peace to the state.

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