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Manipur is seeing a rise in bomb blasts, the second this month

IndiaManipur is seeing a rise in bomb blasts, the second this month

Manipur is seeing a rise in bomb blasts, and this is the second this month when unknown miscreants triggered a bomb explosion in Imphal.

Unknown miscreants activated a bomb explosion at Thangmeiband Lourung Purel Leikai in Imphal West district around 7.40 pm on Saturday and though no one was hurt in the blast, the walls of a shop located nearby were sabotaged by splinters. Minutes after the explosion, police rushed to the spot and carried out a quick search in and around the area. No arrests have been made so far. The cops have registered an FIR and an investigation is underway.

Notably, the state is witnessing major to minor bomb blasts which are rising over time. This is the second blast in the month of June as on June 5, a powerful IED went off outside the Little Flower School in Imphal, another one in front of a pharmacy.

 

Insurgency in Manipur in the Past

There was an ongoing armed conflict between India and a number of separatist groups operated in the state of Manipur. The Insurgency in Manipur is part of the wider Insurgency in Northeast India; it combines elements of a national liberation war as well as an ethnic conflict.

Manipur’s long tradition of freedom can be traced to the foundation of the Kangleipak State in 33 AD. The Kingdom of Manipur was conquered by Great Britain following the brief Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, becoming a British protectorate.

Manipur became a territory of India on 21 October 1949. Nevertheless, only after violent battles with India, it became a separate state in 1972. Manipur’s incorporation into the Indian state soon led to the formation of numerous insurgent organizations, pursuing the creation of an independent state within the borders of Manipur, rejecting a merger with India.

The first separatist faction, known as United National Liberation Front (UNLF), was founded on 24 November 1964. However, they did not take armed action until 1991. Between 1977 and 1980, the People’s Liberation Army of Manipur (PLA), the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), were formed, immediately joining the war.

On 8 September 1980, Manipur was declared an area of disturbance, when the Indian Government imposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 on the region which still remains in operation.

The parallel rise of Naga nationalism in neighboring Nagaland led to the emergence of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) activities in Manipur.

Clashes between the Isak-Muivah and Khaplang factions of NSCN further aggravated tensions, as Kuki tribals began creating their own guerrilla groups in order to protect their interests from alleged Naga violations. The rise of tribal militias culminated in ethnic violence that took place during the 1990s.

Of the total 25 armed Kuki groups operating in the state, 17 are under the KNO and 8 under the United Peoples’ Front (UPF). However, major valley-based militant outfits (Meitei groups) such as the UNLF, PLA, KYKL etc. are yet to arrive at the negotiating table. Many of their smaller outfits have however entered the SoO agreement with the state government, which has launched rehabilitation programs for such groups.

In contrast with the other insurgencies in the NorthEast, Manipur-based militants are characterized by a low level of defections and a well-organized intelligence network. They have also avoided targeting local police personnel, thus seeking to secure popular support.

According to sources, extortion is the primary source of funding for militant groups. Hindu Temples, educational institutions, and businesses are known to have been targeted with illegal taxation.

The illegal taxation is done through posts that can be found alongside the NH-39 and NH-53 highways. The taxation is very high compared to the local police excise duties. The effect of these taxes is largely felt by the drivers ferrying oil along the highways from Assam to Manipur.

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