Manipur Govt Downgrades VIP Security to Guard Farmers

In a significant move, the Manipur government has decided to downgrade the VIP security cover provided to ministers, MLAs, politicians, and bureaucrats. Approximately 2,000 security personnel, previously assigned to protect these VIPs, will now be deployed to ensure the safety of farmers engaged in cultivation in trouble-torn areas of the state, according to reliable sources.

This decision comes shortly after Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced that security would be provided to farmers at the start of the cropping season. The downgrading of security for ministers, MLAs, politicians, civil servants, and former bureaucrats has resulted in the release of a considerable number of security personnel.

According to a source, it has been mentioned that the security of several ministers, MLAs, other politicians, civil servants, and former bureaucrats has been downgraded. This downgrade has resulted in the freeing of approximately 2,000 security personnel. These personnel will now be redirected to safeguard farmers operating in volatile regions within Manipur, particularly those engaged in cultivation in trouble-torn areas.

During a unified command meeting on Monday, Chief Minister Singh highlighted that the government is dedicated to safeguarding the security of farmers throughout the cropping season. He announced that additional security personnel would be allocated to five districts for agricultural purposes. It was mentioned that approximately 2,000 security personnel will be deployed in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Imphal East, Imphal West, and Kakching districts.

Security concerns had arisen regarding the ability of farmers to carry out their agricultural activities in areas where the Imphal valley meets the hills. The Meitei community resides in the valley, while the Kukis inhabit the hills. These communities have experienced heightened tensions along ethnic lines, resulting in numerous violent incidents over the past two months.

To maintain a peaceful atmosphere and prevent the spread of rumors, the internet ban in Manipur has been extended. The ban aims to curb misinformation that could potentially exacerbate the current situation. Since the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, approximately 120 individuals have lost their lives, and over 3,000 have sustained injuries in Manipur.

The conflict initially erupted after a "Tribal Solidarity March" was organized in the hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. In an effort to restore peace in the state, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Manipur for four days last month. During his visit, he engaged with various sections of society.

To quell the violence and restore normalcy, approximately 40,000 central security personnel, in addition to the Manipur Police, have been deployed in the state.