Insurgency in Manipur


The Insurgency in Manipur is an ongoing armed conflict between India and a number of separatist rebel groups, taking place in the region of Manipur. The Insurgency in Manipur is part of the wider Insurgency in Northeast India; it combines elements of a national liberation war as well as an ethnic conflict.

Background

Manipur's long tradition of independence can be traced to the foundation of the Kangleipak State in 1110. The Kingdom of Manipur was conquered by Great Britain following the brief Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, becoming a British protectorate.
Manipur became a part of India on 21 October 1949. However, only after violent protests, it became a separate state in 1972. Manipur's incorporation into the Indian state soon led to the formation of a number of insurgent organisations, seeking the creation of an independent state within the borders of Manipur, and dismissing the merger with India as involuntary.

History

The first separatist faction known as United National Liberation Front, was founded on 24 November 1964. However, they remained as political till 1991. Between 1977 and 1980, the People's Liberation Army of Manipur, People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak and the Kangleipak Communist Party, were formed, immediately joining the war.
On 8 September 1980, Manipur was declared an area of disturbance, when the Indian Government imposed the Armed Forces Act, 1958 on the region, the act currently remains in force.
The parallel rise of Naga nationalism in neighbouring Nagaland led to the emergence of National Socialist Council of Nagaland activities in Manipur. Clashes between the Isak-Muivah and Khaplang factions of NSCN further aggravated tensions, as Kuki tribals began creating their own guerrilla groups in order to protect their interests from alleged Naga violations. Other ethnic groups such as Paite, Vaiphei, Pangals and Hmars followed suit establishing militant groups. The rise of tribal militias culminated in ethnic violence that took place during the 1990s.

Current scenario

In contrast with the other wars forming the Insurgency in Northeast India, Manipuri rebels are characterised by a low level of defections and a well organised intelligence network. The rebels have also avoided targeting local police personnel, thus aiming to secure popular support.
Extortion remains the main source of funding for militant groups, temples, educational institutions and businesses are known to have been targeted with illegal taxation. As many as 26 permanent, tax collection checkpoints have been set up on the NH-39 and NH-53 National Highways. Rebels have also resorted to abducting children and later employing them as child soldiers. The illegal taxation is done through posts that can be found alongsides the NH-39 and NH-53 highways. The taxation here is very high as compared to the local police excise duties. The effect of these taxations are largely felt by the drivers transporting oil along these highways from Assam to Manipur. Also, there are some cases where anonymous people disguising themselves as the militant groups's soldiers extort heavy charges from the drivers.

Timeline