A State of Crisis: Advanced Weaponry and Rising Insurgency Recruitment in Manipur Conflict

The use of highly advanced weaponry to strike people has reopened interest in the ongoing Manipur conflict, as several academics and media sources have labelled it an “act of terrorism”. A large number of young people who have experienced trauma, homelessness, or loss of employment are susceptible to recruitment by insurgent groups. The adolescents have turned to insurgency as a way of purpose and financial incentives, using it as a means of retaliation or survival against opposing ethnic communities. According to studies, the state’s youth gun ownership rate is at an all-time high, and the population is mainly in favour of it. This is becoming a significant challenge for counterinsurgencies to overcome

Since the Meitei and Kuki communities began fighting in early May 2023, over 60,000 people have been displaced, and about 226 people have died in the continuing violence in Manipur. The employment of highly advanced weaponry, such as missiles, drone strikes, and rocket-propelled grenades, has elevated the battle to unprecedented heights. The use of these weapons to strike people has reopened interest in the conflict, as several academics and media sources have labelled it an “act of terrorism”.

Manipur is home to more than 40 militant organisations. Each has different requirements, occasionally raising serious security issues for the state. Nonetheless, the Central and State governments have successfully negotiated peace negotiations for numerous rebel factions throughout the past few years. However, this calm display appears to be all but gone because of the ongoing fighting and the massive rise of multiple armed factions. For instance, as reported by ThePrint, radical Meitei group Arambam Tengol, which had only 7,000 members as of March 2023, now has 50,000; the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has seen a growth of more than 200; the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has witnessed an increase of more than 200; Kangleipak Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) has seen a growth of more than 70; the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) has witnessed an increase of more than 50; and other hill-based groups have also experienced notable growth.

During the last one and half years of fighting, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of people joining insurgencies. Insurgent organisations in Manipur are using this socio-political crisis to their advantage to further their cause and demonstrate to the communities that they are affiliated with a way to provide social stability.

Three major ethnic groups, Kukis, Meiteis, Nagas, and other smaller ethnic groups, each with historical grievances, are affiliated with Manipur. Occasionally, disagreements resulting from these grievances breed animosity and hatred between them. There is a notable increase in insurgent recruits, taking advantage of these ethnic tensions and grievances. For example, a large number of young people who have experienced trauma, homelessness, or loss of employment are susceptible to recruitment. The Kuki insurgent groups have been criticised for influencing younger generations towards a perception that resistance and conflict are essential for survival. This argument is frequently made by academics, who claim that some groups under Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreements with the Indian government have been recruiting new members during turmoil. By taking advantage of the instability and nationalist sentiment among the Meitei community, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and United National Liberation Front (UNLF) have experienced a rise in recruitment due to the prolonged conflict’s heightened economic hardship and relocation. The adolescents have turned to insurgency as a way of purpose and financial incentives, using it as a means of retaliation or survival against opposing ethnic communities.

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Every village across all ethnic communities became wary as the fighting intensified and prepared for the worst. As a result, more employees are volunteering or are required to volunteer to protect the town or neighbourhood. Due to their curiosity about the sophisticated weapons available and their appropriate exposure to the ongoing armed conflict, the village defence force expanded and was seen brandishing extremely advanced weaponry. This was made possible by the looting of over 4,000 sophisticated weapons and lakhs of ammunition from the armouries of the Manipur Police and other Security posts across districts. Additionally, those who have endured losing loved ones in the fighting have turned to joining the rebel group.

The two sides and youths from all ethnic groups are at odds. The youth from various ethnic groups are trained, and often, four or five youths from each hamlet must be sent to the camps where the rebel group lives. The teenagers’ reliability and activity are demonstrated by their regular exposure to firearms, military exercises, and patriotic propaganda while training. Motivated by this exposure, some young individuals taking training sometimes try to justify their unclear career route. Family conflicts and a feeling of group identity often push people to view insurgency as a realistic option.

In conclusion, during the last one and half years of fighting, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of people joining insurgencies. Insurgent organisations in Manipur are using this socio-political crisis to their advantage to further their cause and demonstrate to the communities that they are affiliated with a way to provide social stability. According to studies, the state’s youth gun ownership rate is at an all-time high, and the population is mainly in favour of it. This is becoming a significant challenge for counterinsurgencies to overcome, contributing to the pointlessness of peace negotiations, whether successful or not.

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