Amit Shah asks Manipur CM to accelerate peace process, approves formation of all-woman police battalion
Zomi community leaders warn of phased and coordinated agitations over “delay in justice” for MLA who died following a mob assault.
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Context
In response to the protracted ethnic violence in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the state's Chief Minister to accelerate peace talks. The Centre has also given an 'in-principle' approval for the creation of a Mahila India Reserve Battalion (IRB), an all-woman police unit, to address the security situation. This occurs amidst ongoing tensions, highlighted by the delayed burial of a BJP MLA from the Zomi community and demands for a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into his death.
UPSC Perspectives
Polity & Governance
This situation brings into focus the constitutional mechanism for handling a breakdown of law and order in a state. The article mentions the imposition of President's Rule under , which is a tool available to the Centre when a state government cannot function according to constitutional provisions. While President's Rule suspends the state government and places the state under the Union's direct control, its frequent or prolonged use is often criticized as undermining the principles of federalism. The decision to raise a Mahila is a governance measure aimed at improving the security apparatus. IRBs are state-controlled, specialized armed police forces funded by the Centre to reduce states' dependency on Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for internal security duties. UPSC may ask about the constitutional validity of President's Rule, citing the landmark S.R. Bommai case, and the role of central agencies in state-level conflict resolution.
Internal Security
The Manipur conflict is a critical case study in ethnic conflict and insurgency, a major theme in internal security. The violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities demonstrates how historical grievances, land disputes, and identity politics can escalate into a severe security crisis. The demand by the Zomi Coordination Committee for a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) underscores the need for credible investigation into acts of violence, especially those involving political figures. The , established under the , has the mandate to investigate and prosecute offences affecting national sovereignty and security, including terrorism and insurgency, without requiring state government permission. The Union Home Minister's direct involvement highlights the Centre's role under Article 355 of the Constitution, which mandates the Union to protect states against internal disturbance. For the exam, it's crucial to analyze the drivers of the conflict, the role of state and non-state actors, and the command structure of security and investigative agencies like the NIA.
Social
The approval of an all-woman police battalion reflects a growing recognition of the specific role women can play in policing, particularly in conflict-ridden and communally sensitive areas. The representation of women in Indian police forces is low, around 11.7% nationally, and a dedicated Mahila IRB is a significant step towards gender inclusion in security forces. Studies and reports suggest that women officers are often perceived as less likely to use excessive force and can be more effective in dealing with crimes against women and children, thereby helping to build community trust. In a situation like Manipur, where sexual violence has been reported as a weapon of conflict, the presence of women police can be crucial for survivors to report crimes and feel secure. UPSC could frame questions on the policy of women's reservation in police forces, its impact on law enforcement effectiveness, and its potential for improving police-community relations in conflict zones.