There has been bitter criticism for a long time of the alleged abuse of state power in Manipur. The Supreme Court has recently made some observations on extra-judicial killings in the state. It should make the authorities in Imphal take a hard look at the way they are tackling insurgency. The Apex Court has admitted that killings sometimes occur in fake encounters. This is not to deny that the militants kill a large number of police and paramilitary personnel. But that is no excuse for extra-judicial killings which are tantamount to murder. Many whose links with the militants are not established without doubt have also been victims. The state authorities have been charged with killing civilians in fake encounters. Secession has to be put down with a firm hand. But civilians cannot be treated as enemies of the state on mere suspicion.
Manipur has long had the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in force. It is not surprising that it raises questions about frequent violation of human rights. Civil rights groups attribute extra-judicial killings to the enforcement of the Act which puts the Security Forces about legal and other kinds of scrutiny. Irom Sharmila, Manipur’s legendary champion of human rights has been fasting for 12 years demanding the withdrawal of the Act. The Centre should reconsider the imposition of the Act which has not been very effective in curbing militancy. The common people regard it with apprehension and that causes a rift between them and the state machinery. Some of the armed personnel are known to behave in a criminal manner as was proved by the rape and murder of Manorama by the Assam Rifles some years ago. There can be no doubt about the greater wisdom of starting a peace initiative in Manipur as is now on in Nagaland.