Ex-BSF ADG moots removal of certain paramilitary
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 16 2024:
Former Additional Director General (ADG) of Border Security Force (BSF) PK Mishra has suggested removal of a specific paramilitary force, which he claimed has links with Kuki militants, in order to resolve the conflict in the state.
In a candid and revealing TV interview with News Nine, the former BSF ADG shed light on the shifting dynamics and critical issues contributing to the ongoing conflict in the state.
He emphasised the strategic importance of Jiribam, which he described as "one of the biggest lifelines for Manipur", noting its border with Cachar district of Assam and domination of the national highway by Kuki groups.
PK Mishra highlighted that the situation has worsened due to the influx of people from Myanmar, who have settled in various villages within Jiribam.
This, he explained, has led to formation of a significant group, further bolstering the strength of the Kukis in the hill areas with arms allegedly provided by Myanmar and supported by forces within Manipur.
He detailed how the epicentre of the conflict had shifted from Churachandpur and Bishnupur to Jiribam, stating, "In Churachandpur and Bishnupur, things were controlled slightly by police and paramilitary forces but they (Kuki militants) shifted it intentionally just to show that they are in force and they can command" .
This strategic shift has made Jiribam the "centre of gravity of all these clashes" .
Mishra was critical of the current administration in Manipur, attributing the escalation of violence to a "failure of command and control and law and order." He echoed concerns raised by the Inner Manipur MP, saying: "The honourable MP has clearly told that Manipur is going out of control" .
It is better that we should think about that, prodded the retired BSF officer.
The interview also brought to light the heavy toll on security forces, with Mishra pointing out that so many CRPF personnel have died earlier also, and a lot of security forces too.
"They have become Saheed because of this clash between the Kukis and the Meeteis," he said and stressed the need for proper intervention to prevent further loss of life while citing the situation in Jammu and Kashmir as an example, where coordinated operations between the army, paramilitary forces, and police have been more effective.
One of the key issues Mishra identified was the lack of coordination among various security forces in Manipur.
He stated, "Assam Rifles goes in different way.
Manipur police goes in different way.
CRPF goes in different way.
There are some BSF battalions also.
They go in a different way.
So the coordination of operation is not there and is being hampered because of this" .
Mishra proposed a solution to the ongoing conflict, suggesting removal of one specific paramilitary force from Manipur, which he claimed has links with Kuki militants.
He asserted, "Hand over to any other paramilitary force but one force has to go from there, which is there for last so many years and they have the link to Kuki militants.
That force has to be shifted" .
In his closing remarks, Mishra emphasised the necessity of targeting militant groups and those receiving arms, stating, "They (security forces) should not involve with all these things.
They have to go against the militant groups whoever is getting arms.
It's very clear" .
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