The Dilemma of Assam Rifles amidst the Manipur crisis

In the turbulent landscape of Manipur’s ongoing conflict, the Assam Rifles, a paramilitary force long associated with peacekeeping in the Northeast, finds itself at the center of a growing controversy. Despite their past services and Samaritan efforts, the force now faces widespread public dissatisfaction, especially from the Meitei community. As journalists and top-ranking officers of the Assam Rifles, including those from the 57 Mountain Division, continue to engage with the media, it is evident that the force’s current predicament is not just about capability but authority and perception.
The anger directed toward the Assam Rifles, though justified in some instances, has overshadowed the humanitarian and recreational initiatives they have undertaken during this conflict. For instance, in the recent weeks, the troops provided vital medical assistance to villagers in Kwatha, escorting them to Pallel and back safely. In both Kuki and Meitei-dominated regions, they have organized recreational programs aimed at alleviating mental stress, a service that has gone largely unnoticed amidst the cacophony of blame. Yet, despite these efforts, the force’s role has been tarnished, primarily due to their limited authority and the delicate balance they must maintain between Central and state mandates.
One of the most significant challenges the Assam Rifles faces is the uneven application of power in the hill and valley regions of Manipur. On Manipur Police Day, the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) emphasized that peace would only be restored when weapons are surrendered. However, the Assam Rifles are constrained in their ability to act decisively in the hill areas, where cadres from the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, specifically from the Kuki National Organization (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), are well-armed and beyond their direct jurisdiction. The force cannot forcibly disarm these groups as it must adhere to Central government directives, leaving them in a position of helplessness when it comes to addressing sophisticated weaponry held by these groups.
In the valley, the situation is equally problematic for the Assam Rifles. Without special powers, the force cannot conduct independent operations and must rely on the state police for instructions. This limitation hampers their ability to respond to violence, particularly in areas dominated by the Meitei community, where Kuki militants have allegedly committed atrocities. The result is an overwhelming sense of frustration among the local populace, who see the Assam Rifles as passive bystanders to the destruction of their homes and communities. The flattening of Meitei residences by Kuki-Zo armed groups is a stark example of the helplessness felt by many, further eroding the trust once placed in the Assam Rifles.
The crisis has also forced retired Assam Rifles officers to publicly defend the force, often presenting narratives that seek to justify their current limitations. However, even these efforts ring hollow for those who have witnessed the destruction firsthand. There is a growing concern that the Assam Rifles, once a symbol of security and stability in the region, is now being unfairly defamed in the eyes of the people. The force’s history in Manipur, characterized by decisive action and community engagement, stands in stark contrast to its present role, where it is perceived as ineffective and constrained by bureaucratic red tape.
At this juncture, it is imperative to reconsider the role and empowerment of the Assam Rifles in Manipur. The force needs the autonomy to act decisively in protecting vulnerable communities, particularly the Meitei people, whose homes and lives have been ravaged by violence. They must not be prevented from safeguarding Meitei residences in the face of aggression from Kuki militants. Additionally, the Assam Rifles should play a central role in facilitating the return of displaced Meitei and other communities to Moreh and other conflict-ridden areas. Their efforts in Kwatha village are commendable, but the scope of their operations must be expanded to ensure broader protection and rehabilitation efforts.
The Central government must also re-evaluate its approach to the Assam Rifles’ operational limitations. If the force continues to be caught between state and central mandates, unable to act independently, its reputation will only further deteriorate. The Assam Rifles should be empowered with the necessary authority to conduct operations across both the hill and valley areas, and abrogate the SoO with Kuki militants, without the bureaucratic hurdles that currently inhibit their effectiveness. This empowerment is crucial not only for the restoration of peace but also for the protection of Manipur’s most vulnerable communities.
While the public’s frustration with the Assam Rifles is understandable given the circumstances, it is important to remember the force’s humanitarian efforts and the structural challenges it faces. The Assam Rifles has a long-standing history of serving the people of the Northeast, and its role in the current conflict should not be reduced to that of a scapegoat. By empowering the force and allowing it to act decisively, the Central and state governments can ensure that the Assam Rifles remains an asset in the fight for peace in Manipur, rather than a victim of its own constraints.