Who is behind economic and social turmoil in Manipur?

Kangpokpi District police, collaborating with 32 AR, 22 AR, and F 87 CRPF, conducted an extensive search near Nakhujang village under Kangchup-PS on Wednesday, lasting from 6 am to 1.30 pm. The recovered arsenal included a .303 rifle with a magazine, two 12-inch single-bore barrel guns, an improvised projectile launcher, an improvised mortar, six 36 HE hand grenades, two 2-inch Mortar ill Rds., two Improvised Mortar Rds., a 3Kg improvised explosive device, four 9mm Ball Live Rds., a 5.56mm INSAS Live Rd., a 7.62mm CTN, 62 7.62mm fired cases, 45 5.56mm fired cases, and two 2-inch Mortar Carrying Cases. However, parallel search operations in Thoubal and Bishnupur districts yielded no significant findings.
Persistent conflicts at the Northern and Southern tips of Imphal plains, notably at Sugnu and Shantipur, indicate a continuous influx of arms and ammunition at the frontline. The substantial discovery of war materials in the seized items underlines a noteworthy ammunition supply on the Kuki-Zo side. Jitendra Ningombam, participating in a televised discussion, shed light on the Meitei side’s predicament, where many volunteers have willingly surrendered their arms. Nevertheless, the state’s inability to secure a ceasefire from the Kuki side complicates the arms recovery process. Reports from these areas highlight shortages of ammunition and manpower in Meitei villages, fostering public frustration and leading to incidents of looting weapons from state armories.
The chaotic scenes during prolonged attacks, exemplified by the extended gun battles at Shantipur area and Sugnu, strategically coincide with major announcements from the home ministry or the state government. This calculated approach aims to sow turmoil in political and economic centers, marking a consistent trend. Imphal market, a pivotal commerce hub in Manipur, faces formidable challenges not only due to disrupted trade with surrounding major centers but also due to frequent bandhs and blockades further unsettling the market.
The ongoing conflict has wreaked havoc on traditional trade routes that historically connected Imphal traders to broader markets. The disruption of goods flow from Imphal to Moreh, then to Myanmar, or from Imphal to Churachandpur and onward to Mizoram, which once formed the lifeblood of Manipur’s trade, has resulted in trade stagnation and diminished profits in the Imphal market. This economic fallout leaves Imphal traders and the Manipur government grappling with the repercussions of the conflict.
Furthermore, the disturbance of economic activities in Imphal, brought about by the imposition of bandhs and blockades by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), is a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict initiated by Kuki-Zo militant forces at the periphery areas. Many engaged in productive activities are now embroiled in this conflict, defending their villages.
Most importantly, many children have been out of school for an extended period. The ongoing conflict is poised to have a prolonged impact on Manipur’s society, potentially setting it back by many years.
The economic and social impact of these attacks compounds the strain on the prevailing political crisis. The crucial and unanswered question of determining the source of weapons and ammunition for those orchestrating these attacks looms large. The roots of Manipur’s economic and social crisis can be traced back to those facilitating the supply of weapons and ammunition to Kuki-Zo fighters. While speculations abound, concrete evidence remains elusive. It becomes imperative for the state of Manipur to provide answers regarding the suppliers of ammunition and weapons, allowing these attacks to persist and wreak havoc on all fronts for prolonged periods.