Year-long journey of Indian Army towards restoring peace in Manipur
Guwahati: The Indian Army had been deployed in Manipur since the early days of independence to address security concerns in the region. Over the past one year, ever since violence erupted in the state in May 2023, deep-rooted grievances, ethnic tensions and external influences that continued to fuel instability in the region, led the Army to navigate these complexities while upholding its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s integrity and promoting peace.
Since then, the Army has been working tirelessly to restore normalcy and peace in the region, facing numerous challenges along the way. Tracing the conflict, the Indian Army swiftly mobilised its troops, embarking on numerous rescue and evacuation missions which saved the lives of over 33,516 individuals trapped in the crossfire, defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) and Spokesperson for Manipur, Nagaland and Southern Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Col Amit Shukla, said in a statement.
Amidst the tumult, the Army extended various humanitarian aid to over 1,493 individuals, offering accommodation and shelter to more than 3,151 people affected by the violence. In their pursuit of peace, they engaged in 25 peace initiatives, fostering dialogue among 795 local leaders, and seeking reconciliation and understanding in a fractured community, it said.
While the scale of the crisis was staggering, the commitment of the Indian Army extended towards relief efforts and healthcare initiatives to locals irrespective of caste and creed, by conducting 75 medical camps, providing essential healthcare to over 13,074 persons including elders, women and children, who lacked access to medical facilities due to the ongoing crisis; along with distribution of relief material to 1,695 locals, ensuring that no one was left behind in their time of need, it added.
Under the shadow of these unending clashes, children were also the victims, but the turbulence of the tussle could not stop the Army’s contribution towards the educational support to them. They provided assistance to over 891 students and catered to the stationery needs of around 1,092 children, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge continued unabated amidst adversity, it said.
In this turmoil, when Manipur was surrounded by sooty flame all over, the Indian Army again did not step back, instead, they contributed towards infrastructure development in various areas of the state by building roads, bridges, shelters, water tanks and other essential facilities to improve connectivity and foster development with economic growth in the region, it added.
Besides all humanitarian endeavours, the Army on the other end, did not leave any loophole in vigilance and security measures, where apart from conducting thousands of area domination, patrols and combing operations, they also conducted training programmes for local security forces and police to enhance their capabilities in handling security challenges which resulted into strengthening of collaborative efforts in the overall security apparatus in Manipur, it said
However, this sequence led to the recovery of a significant cache of looted arms, ammunition and other warlike stores, and ensuring the region’s security by conducting various counter-insurgency operations against groups like the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), People’s Liberation Army (PLA), among others to neutralise their threats and restore law and order. Additionally, the Army was responsible for securing the borders of Manipur with Myanmar and Nagaland by preventing illegal activities such as smuggling of arms, drugs and contraband, which could destabilise the region, it added.
Subsequently, the zealous and unending commitment of the Army’s humanitarian aid and peace initiatives led them to complete 56 ‘Operation Sadbhavana’ projects by investing Rs 2.7 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24. Undeterred by the challenges, they have also planned an additional 57 projects worth Rs 4.09 crore for the upcoming year, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for Manipur, it said.
At the end of the spectrum of conflict, through unwavering dedication and selfless service, the Indian Army has once again emerged as the guardian of hope in Manipur over time. Their commitment to saving lives and restoring peace, even in the face of adversity, showcases a legacy of compassion and resilience etched in the hearts of the people of Manipur, it further said.