Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey’s recent reference to the presence of certain inimical elements who could have infiltrated from across the border to fuel the current unrest in Manipur is indeed a welcome ‘shift’ in the Centre’s perception of the unrest.
While valley-based CSOs and certain knowledgeable individuals had been consistently pointing to the ‘involvement’ of armed Myanmarese illegals in the present violence in the state, certain sections including some agencies, had been all along crying foul over such ‘allegations’ and vehemently denying it.
When Governor Uikey’s comments were first reported, it grabbed headlines.
Although the statement had room for interpretation in ways more than one, it certainly ruffled feathers.
While some went scurrying for cover, a certain CSO asked for clear evidence about the presence of ‘external forces’ in the current unrest.
It also said that Uikey was ambiguous as she did not clearly mention the ‘forces from Myanmar’ who are involved in the present violence.
Why bother about evidence of such a ‘presence’ and the identity of the ‘external force’ in the same breath?
Does not it tantamount to admitting the involvement of an ‘external element’ in the present unrest in the state?
Then, why ask the Governor?
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Well, Raj Bhavan did issue a statement to clear the air. But, Governor Anusuiya did not go back on her comments to the presence of ‘certain inimical elements’ from across the border while asserting that her comment was based on credible intelligence inputs.
One must also understand that, the Governor is careful in not specifically naming the ‘inimical element’ as the office might unnecessarily be dragged into a diplomatic controversy with a neighbouring country.
The involvement of armed Myanmar illegals in the incessant attacks on Meitei villages in foothill areas has been a matter of concern for valley population since the commencement of the violence and valley-based CSOs had been consistently pleading with authorities to check the activities of these external elements.
Even the state chief minister had been mentioning the involvement of Myanmarese illegals armed with sophisticated weapons in the present violent attacks.
It is only some central agencies who had been vehemently denying such a presence.
Recently, a report on some injured Myanmar nationals being treated at the Churachandpur district hospital had raised concerns amid the ongoing conflict in the state.
A question naturally arose whether they were injured in the violence within the territory of Manipur and central forces were quick to react.
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An official statement said that a total of 16 people (including eight Indian nationals who were essentially the drivers or passengers, one Myanmarese translator and seven Myanmarese injured civilians, ‘reportedly’ from violence in their own country) were intercepted by Assam Rifles on June 15, 16 and 21, 2023 at Yangoubung, Chandel district.
The IGAR release further stated that the narrative of foreign nationals' involvement in the ongoing Manipur violence is fake and is being initiated, yet again, for vested interests by inimical elements.
Well, the Assam Rifles is mandated with guarding the Indo-Myanmar border and counter-insurgency operations as well. So, it is but natural for them to be sensitive to reports of involvement of elements from across the border in the present unrest as it also brings up the question of infiltration.
Whether it is the ‘lungi brigade’ or some other element, any mention of infiltration from across the border is taboo.
Read More: IFP Editorial
