News Reporter
New Delhi, October 10, 2023: In a significant move to enhance security along the Indo-Myanmar Border and address the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has unveiled plans to deploy an advanced smart fencing system, spanning 100 kilometers. This initiative aims to bolster the existing surveillance infrastructure, strengthening India's border security in the region.
India shares a lengthy 1,643-kilometer border with Myanmar, traversing the states of Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km), and Mizoram (510 km). According to the MHA's annual report for 2022-23, substantial progress has already been made, with 1,472 kilometers of the border demarcation completed.
Intelligence reports have indicated the presence of several northeast-based insurgent groups that maintain camps in Myanmar and frequently cross the border into Manipur, exacerbating the ongoing volatile situation.
Construction of a 10.023-kilometer border fence at Moreh in Manipur has been awarded to the Border Roads Organization (BRO). This project is slated for completion by 2023, further fortifying security measures in the region.
The MHA report underscores Manipur's susceptibility to activities carried out by insurgent groups such as Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Zomi, and Hmar. Currently, a total of 23 underground outfits, operating under two conglomerates, the United Peoples’ Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organization (KNO), have been under Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreements with the Indian government since August 2008.
In a positive development, the Government of India and the Government of Manipur entered into a Cessation of Operation (CoO) Agreement with the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) group of Manipur in December 2022. Under this agreement, ZUF pledged to renounce violence and engage in the peaceful democratic process as mandated by the law.
The report further details the security situation in Manipur in 2022, with 137 insurgency-related incidents registered. Tragically, five civilians and one security force personnel lost their lives during these incidents. The concerted efforts of counterinsurgency operations resulted in the neutralization of two insurgents, the arrest of 315 insurgents, and the recovery of 76 firearms. Notably, 57 members of insurgent outfits chose to surrender, relinquishing 29 weapons.
The introduction of an advanced smart fencing system and ongoing efforts to engage with insurgent groups represent crucial steps in securing Manipur's peace and stability in the face of ongoing ethnic tensions.