Manipur has the largest number of terrorist outfits, led by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the whole of India. The ambush of Indian armed personnel in the state by NSCN (Khaplang) with links in Myanmar at the frequent blockage of the National Highway have put a stamp of insecurity on the state. It has emphasised the need for security agencies to be armed with special laws including the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). But such armed personnel are often liable to abuse their power. From rape and murder of Monorama belonging to the PLA by Assam Rifles personnel to the latest reports of the suspension of head constable Herojit Sing for brutally murdering an unarmed 22 year old with TLA links 6yrs ago-there have been excesses galore. The iron lady of the state, Iron Sharmila has been protesting against the AFSPA. True, the centre has taken action against atrocities by the city personnel.
Courts, judicial commissions and bodies, including the National Human Rights Commission have often taken steps to restrict the operations of security agencies and colleagues. Manipur’s civil society has been vocal about punishing lawlessness let loose by law enforcers. The Supreme Court set up the Santosh Hegde Commission to look into fake encounter killings and similar atrocities by the armed personnel and police. There is no denying that the security of Manipur’s civilian population should be safeguarded, however, withdrawal of the AFSPA in a hurry may be ill-advised. India’s volatile relations with Myanmar and Khaplang rebels hiding across the border constitute a real threat to Manipur.
