Army Chief General Stresses Reconciliation in Manipur, Cites Progress in Stabilizing Violence

NEW DELHI: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday emphasized the need for “reconciliation” in violence-hit Manipur while highlighting that “synergised” efforts by security forces and “proactive” government initiatives have helped bring the situation under control.

Ahead of Army Day, General Dwivedi told the media he is hopeful that newly appointed Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla will take the required steps to promote reconciliation in the state.

He acknowledged that “cyclic” incidents of violence persist in Manipur and reiterated the Army's commitment to restoring peace in the region.

Addressing concerns about coordination among security forces, General Dwivedi stated, “I just wish to assure you that there is absolutely no lack of coordination (among security forces), but we have to understand which side is where.”

Since May 2023, the Meitei and Kuki communities have been locked in an ethnic conflict that has resulted in over 200 deaths and displaced thousands. “The tribal affiliations have taken a strong line. But we have to work as a whole-of-nation approach to make sure that the reconciliation must take place,” he said.

General Dwivedi did not rule out the possibility of an “external dimension” to the conflict and noted that “synergised efforts” by security forces and “proactive” measures by the government have stabilized the situation. “However, cyclic incidents of violence continue. We are working towards establishing peace in the region,” he added.

The Army chief also mentioned that NGOs and Army veterans are engaging with community leaders to facilitate reconciliation efforts. He highlighted enhanced surveillance and domination along the India-Myanmar border to prevent a “spillover of turbulence” from Myanmar.

“Fencing is a significant step, and we have started new progress on this,” he said, adding that the internal situation in Myanmar has led to an influx of people, including soldiers, crossing into India.

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