On the withdrawal of two Assam Rifles battalions

The recent decision to redeploy two Assam Rifles battalions from Manipur to Jammu & Kashmir has sparked significant controversy, particularly among the Kuki community. The Kukis have vehemently opposed this move, citing the Assam Rifles as their primary source of protection amidst ongoing ethnic tensions in the region. This opposition raises critical questions about trust, security, and the role of the Assam Rifles in Manipur’s complex socio-political landscape.
The Assam Rifles, a paramilitary force under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has had a long-standing presence in Manipur. Historically, their deployments in the state have been seen as crucial for maintaining order and stability in an area plagued by insurgency and ethnic conflict. The current redeployment to Jammu & Kashmir is not unprecedented; Assam Rifles have been reassigned to various conflict zones across the country as required. However, the timing and context of this move have ignited a firestorm of debate.
Kuki civil society organizations’ trust in the Assam Rifles contrasts sharply with their distrust of other security forces operating in the region. This trust appears to be rooted in the longstanding presence of Assam Rifles personnel in Manipur. Many of these soldiers have been stationed in the state for extended periods, allowing them to build relationships and understand the local dynamics deeply. This familiarity with the terrain and the people has made them a reliable security presence for the Kukis, who feel more vulnerable without their protection.
The Kuki community’s strong reaction betrays a broader issue: the deep-seated mistrust between different ethnic groups in Manipur and their varying perceptions of security forces. The Meitei community, for instance, has accused the Assam Rifles of bias, alleging that they have taken sides with the Kukis. This accusation is not without context. The protracted deployment of Assam Rifles in the same region can lead to close ties with local populations, potentially resulting in perceived or real partiality. Such perceptions of bias are detrimental to the overall objective of security forces, which is to maintain peace and order impartially.
The redeployment decision raises several questions. Why do the Kukis trust the Assam Rifles more than other security forces? Is it merely the duration of their deployment, or is there a deeper connection that has been forged over time? And if the Assam Rifles have indeed mingled with the locals to the extent of losing their perceived neutrality, does this compromise their effectiveness as a peacekeeping force?
For the government, the challenge lies in addressing these trust deficits. There must be a concerted effort to ensure that all security forces operating in Manipur are perceived as neutral and effective by all communities. This involves not only equitable deployment practices but also robust oversight mechanisms to prevent any potential bias.
The redeployment of Assam Rifles to Jammu & Kashmir, while strategic from a national security perspective, leaves a vacuum in Manipur that needs to be urgently addressed. The government must reassure the Kuki community by either redeploying other trusted security forces or ensuring that the remaining forces are equipped and trained to provide the same level of protection.
The withdrawal of Assam Rifles battalions from Manipur to Jammu & Kashmir highlights the intricate dynamics of trust and security in ethnically volatile regions. The government’s response to the concerns raised by the Kuki community will be crucial in maintaining stability and ensuring that all ethnic groups in Manipur feel secure and protected. The goal should always be to foster a sense of impartiality and trust in all security forces, which is essential for lasting peace in the region.