As violence continues to escalate in Manipur, concerns grow regarding the effectiveness of the state government in managing the crisis. Former Army Chief General Ved Prakash Malik, who led the Indian Army during the 1999 Kargil War, has voiced strong opinions on the dire situation, advocating for a change in governance.
General Malik highlighted the ingoing ethnic conflicts, primarily between the Kukis and Meiteis, which have marked the last 17 to 18 months. He described the current state of affairs as “extremely tragic,” noting that the government has been unable to curb the violence. The continuous clashes have resulted in numerous casualties, destruction of properties, and displacement of many individuals, forcing them into shelter homes.
In his assessment, General Malik called for the imposition of President’s rule under Article 356 of the Constitution. He believes that this could enable a unified command structure for various security forces, including paramilitary troops, local police, and the army, if necessary. He expressed that restoring law and order should be the immediate priority, especially in light of the ongoing violence and infiltration issues stemming from Myanmar.
Discussing the recent deployment of approximately 5,000 additional paramilitary troops by the central government, Malik cautioned that simply increasing troop numbers may not yield peace. He pointed out that effective leadership and understanding of the region’s complex socio-political landscape are critical for addressing the crisis. According to him, there needs to be a cohesive command capable of effectively coordinating these efforts, rather than merely flooding the area with more personnel.
Malik underscored concerns about the apparent disconnect and lack of coordination between the state and central authorities, attributing part of the ongoing turmoil to this ineffective collaboration. He insisted that what is needed now is a leader who is impartial and possesses experience, proposing that Governor’s rule would provide the necessary governance structure to stabilize the situation.
On the topic of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Malik clarified that while AFSPA grants the military certain operational powers, it is not a panacea for resolving conflicts in the region. He emphasized that the act should not be viewed as a sole solution to the crisis, but rather as a tool to facilitate military operations when necessary.
As Manipur wrestles with its ongoing turbulence, the calls for a strategic overhaul in governance highlight the urgent need for effective and compassionate leadership to restore peace and rebuild trust among the warring communities.
