MANIPUR HAS been embroiled in ethnic strife between the Meiteis and Kuki communities for almost a year, disrupting normalcy, development, and the lives of locals. The violence, frequent economic blockades, and increased tax collection have adversely affected economic activities in the region, raising numerous concerns regarding administrative development and security in the hill areas of the state.
While Ukhrul and Kamjong districts have remained peaceful due to the unbiased stance of the Nagas in Manipur, these clashes have diverted the government’s focus from the much-needed development of these areas. For instance, the construction of the Imphal to Ukhrul road, National Highway 202 (part of the proposed plan to expand the road from Yaingangpokpi – Ukhrul- Jessami), has been hampered. Despite a few provocative incidents, civil society organizations (CSOs) have handled them with maturity, preventing disturbances to peace in Naga-dominated areas.
The recent decision by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to further extend the suspension of the Free Move Regime between India and Myanmar, along with the ongoing Border Fencing Project, is likely to impact the Nagas, who share ethnic affinity and kinship ties across political borders. This decision has been criticized as impractical and dehumanizing to communities living on either side of the border, potentially diminishing prospects for peace and well-being in the region.
The border areas of Kamjong District have also been affected by a refugee crisis due to the ongoing conflict between the Myanmar Junta and ethnic armed groups. Thousands of people have sought refuge in bordering villages of Kamjong district. The civil administration, with assistance from Assam Rifles, has efficiently managed the refugee situation so far.
The unrest in Myanmar has led to the closure of legal trade routes through Moreh. Contrabands such as Areca Nuts, Burmese Teak, and narcotics are finding their way into Indian Territory through the hill areas of Kamjong District. Through coordinated efforts and stringent measures of the State Administration along with Assam Rifles, contrabands worth hundreds of crores have been seized along the Indo-Myanmar border in the past six months.
The State Government has enforced a strict crackdown on the drug menace through its War on Drugs Campaign 2.0, with the destruction of hundreds of acres of Poppy cultivation in hill areas. Joint efforts by the State Police, Forest Department, NAB, 6th Manipur Rifles, and CSOs have led to the destruction of approximately 600 acres of Poppy cultivation in Ukhrul and Kamjong Districts.
Meanwhile, the Assam Rifles have reached out to locals even in the remotest areas, providing them with water tanks and solar lights, as well as constructing community halls, toilet blocks, and organizing medical camps. Last month, a mega celebration was organized in memory of Late Maj Bob Khathing Ralengnao in Ukhrul district, during which John SR Khathing (Retd IRS), son of Late Maj Bob Khathing Ralengnao, commended Assam Rifles for their continued support in organizing and conducting tournaments in honor of his father since 2012. Assam Rifles are planning various new projects for budding sportsmen in the near future to promote professional sports.
Amidst uncertainty, it is the local CSOs, District Administration, Police, and Assam Rifles that are at the forefront, intricately involved in multifaceted areas to meet the immediate needs of the populace while traversing through the winding roads of Ukhrul and Kamjong district.
Tennoson Pheirei is Senior Associate Editor with The Ukhrul Times.