NEW DELHI: Amidst persistent violence in Manipur, Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, is set to make his first visit to the strife-torn state since taking office on June 30, 2024. The two-day visit, commencing August 23, will see the General assessing the security situation and meeting with senior Army ground commanders and leadership from other security forces.
The visit comes at a crucial juncture, with Manipur grappling with ongoing violence that has resulted in hundreds of deaths and displaced thousands since May 2023. The conflict involves clashes between Kuki, Meitei, and Naga groups, with the Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Manipur Police working to restore order.
Former CRPF Director General, Kudiep Singh, currently serves as a security advisor to the Manipur government amidst these challenges.
In response to the situation, the Indian government has suspended the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar and plans to construct a fence along the entire 1,643 km-long border. This task is fraught with difficulties due to the challenging terrain and the existing ethnic ties that span the border.
Reports have emerged of people from Myanmar crossing into India following violent clashes with the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Military), further complicating the situation. Previously, the FMR allowed people from both countries to travel up to 16 kilometers into each other's territory without a visa.
The Army Chief's visit underscores the gravity of the situation in Manipur and the government's commitment to restoring peace and stability. The meetings with senior security personnel are expected to provide valuable insights and lead to enhanced coordination in tackling the ongoing challenges.
