The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) made a significant announcement on Monday, extending the ban on 11 Meitei armed outfits for another five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to curbing activities detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of India.
The Outfits in Question
The banned outfits, including the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), and others such as the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and its armed wing “Red Army,” have long been associated with advocating the secession of Manipur from India through armed struggle.
Legal Framework
The decision finds its legal basis in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, with the Central government expressing the necessity to declare these Meitei extremist organizations as ‘unlawful associations’ for a prolonged period. This move is a testament to the gravity of their activities and their impact on the nation’s security.
Professed Aims and Activities
These extremist outfits have openly declared their aim of establishing an independent nation by seceding Manipur from India. Their methods involve armed means, including attacks on security forces, police, and civilians. The notification accuses them of engaging in acts of intimidation, extortion, and looting to fund their organizations.
Manipur’s Complex Scenario
Among the eight northeastern states, Manipur stands out with the highest number of active militant outfits. The state shares a 400 km unfenced border with Myanmar, providing a haven for tribal and non-tribal outfits seeking shelter and arms training.
Government’s Justification
The MHA’s notification highlights the outfits’ connections with foreign sources to garner support, including arms and training, for their secessionist objectives. Additionally, the maintenance of camps in neighboring countries for sanctuaries, training, and clandestine procurement of arms and ammunition raises serious concerns.
Implications and Government’s Efforts
The extended ban aims to curb the outfits’ activities and safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of India. This decision aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to address militancy in the region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the MHA’s decision to extend the ban on Meitei armed outfits reflects the government’s commitment to national security. The ban serves as a deterrent against activities that pose a threat to the unity of the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why were these Meitei-armed outfits banned?
- The ban was imposed due to their professed aim of seceding Manipur from India through armed struggle, engaging in attacks, and posing a threat to the sovereignty and integrity of India.
- What is the legal basis for the ban extension?
- The ban extension is rooted in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, with the Central government deeming it necessary to declare these outfits as ‘unlawful associations.’
- How does Manipur’s situation contribute to the prevalence of militant outfits?
- Manipur’s proximity to Myanmar, with a 400 km unfenced border, provides an opportunity for outfits to seek shelter and arms training, contributing to the high number of active militant groups.
- What activities are these banned outfits engaged in?
- The outfits are involved in armed means, attacking security forces, police, and civilians. They also engage in acts of intimidation, extortion, and looting to fund their organizations.
- What are the implications of the ban extension?
- The ban aims to curb the outfits’ activities, safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of India. It aligns with the government’s broader efforts to address militancy in the region.