In all this time, the state administration has failed to quell the attacks and the arson that have left at least 200 people dead and 50,000 displaced. And yet, eight months into the clashes, Manipur's violence has grown beyond the ethnic. Increasingly, underground militant groups have regained support they had lost, rearmed themselves, launched attacks on security forces, and engaged in rampant extortion.
HT's conversations with multiple stakeholders in the state, from officers in the security establishment to people in both the Imphal valley and hill districts, show that far from heading towards a resolution, the situation is only becoming more challenging.
There's a near-total absence of any functional administration; the private militias have become de facto governments in areas under their control; gun running and drug trafficking, the two old malaises of the area, are back; and a refugee crisis set off by events across the border in Myanmar has only complicated matters.
It's no longer Kuki vs Meitei; it's now every man for himself.
Causes and profits
A senior police officer based in Manipur said that as the violence has gone on, militant groups have grown in strength, and in no small part because of growing extortion. "We have information that militants are extorting money, food items, even vehicles. They need a large supply of food, so they come into urban settlements, and ask shopkeepers to part with these items. There has also been a case when a militant group asked an automobile dealer to give them three Maruti cars. If the victims do not acquiesce, they are taken at gunpoint," the officer added, asking not to be named.
But while extortion is a resource-gathering exercise for some groups, it is the raison d'etre for others.
この記事は Hindustan Times の January 26, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Hindustan Times の January 26, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Aamir-Ajay off-screen reunion makes fans ask for Ishq 2
When actors Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgn reunited at an event on Saturday, it left their fans nostalgic.
Blissful Bebo in Saif haven!
Kareena Kapoor Khan is back in the bay from her Diwali holiday in the Maldives, and on Saturday, the actor shared some stunning pictures of sun-kissed beaches and sun-tanned skin from her dreamy getaway with her boys – actor-husband Saif Ali Khan and sons, Taimur and Jeh.
FAKE TICKETS, SCALPING STRIKE A SOUR NOTE
Ahead of some big international gigs in India, we talk to artists and organisers about the rising threat of fake ticketing and black marketeering
He always had a smile on his face: Ssudeep Sahir delves into memories of Nitin Chauhaan
Actor Ssudeep Sahir, one of the first to confirm the tragic passing of his Tera Yaar Hoon Main co-star Nitin Chauhaan, is in a state of shock after the incident. Chauhaan, 35, was found dead in his Mumbai flat on Friday. He allegedly died by suicide.
MCSWEENEY TO OPEN, INGLIS HANDED FIRST TEST CALL UP FOR BGT OPENER
Uncapped Nathan McSweeney won the race to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja in the first Test against India while Australia also handed a maiden Test call up to Josh Inglis on Sunday.
Pakistan win 1st ODI series Down Under since 2002
Saim Ayub hit 42 and Abdullah Shafique 37 as Pakistan raced to a commanding eight-wicket victory and their first one-day series win in Australia for 22 years on Sunday.
Jagan Kumar, the 11-time national motorcycle champion, quits racing
NEW DELHI: It has been an emotional time for Jagan Kumar, the illustrious rider who decided to roll his bike into the garage for good after dominating Indian circuits for around 15 years.
A rivalry and new momentum
Sabalenka-Swiatek battle for the top promises an exciting year in women's tennis
Varun's fifer in vain, Stubbs scripts a sensational chase
South Africa level series 1-1, beating India by three wickets in the second T20I at Gqeberha
Chelsea, Arsenal in 1-1 draw; United win
Chelsea and Arsenal shared the spoils in a tense and at times bruising 1-1 battle at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, keeping the London sides level in the Premier League, but still nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool.