Imphal: Since the imposition of President’s rule in February, Manipur has experienced a significant reduction in violence and an increase in drug seizures, according to officials.
Civilian casualties and injuries have sharply declined, with only one protest-related fatality reported during this period, compared to the 260 deaths recorded between May 2023 and February 2024.
Injuries have also reduced substantially, with just 29 new cases reported in the last four months compared to 1,776 during the previous unrest.
Law enforcement agencies, including Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, and paramilitary forces, have intensified operations to recover thousands of firearms looted from police armories during the violence in May 2023.
Of the 6,020 firearms reported lost, 2,390 have been seized or surrendered since February. No additional arms have been reported missing since the imposition of central rule, officials noted.
Efforts to dismantle illegal fortifications have also made progress, with 63 bunkers demolished in recent months, adding to the total of 548 dismantled since the outbreak of violence.
However, challenges persist in addressing the activities of valley-based militant groups such as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Kanglei Yawol Kanba Lup (KYKL), and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK).
These groups continue to engage in extortion and extrajudicial settlements, with 336 arrests made in the last four months for related activities.
The recent crackdown on Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei militant outfit implicated in violence against the Kuki community, has contributed to restoring relative peace.
The arrest of the group’s leader, Asem Kanan Singh, along with four associates, marked a significant development.
Following Singh’s apprehension, the group distanced itself from violent activities carried out in its name.
Manipur has also seen increased efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse.
Security forces have arrested 84 individuals under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act since February, seizing substantial quantities of narcotics, including 24.4 kg of heroin, 25.7 kg of brown sugar, 31.8 kg of opium, and over 379 kg of cannabis.
Officials view this crackdown as a critical step toward addressing the region’s drug issues.
Despite the progress, experts have expressed concerns about the resurgence of banned terror groups and unresolved challenges, including the complete recovery of looted firearms and tackling extortion networks.
