The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Manipur): In the midst of the ongoing Meitei-Kuki conflict in Manipur, which has left hundreds dead and thousands displaced, armed youth volunteers have taken it upon themselves to protect their communities. These groups, known by various names such as ‘village volunteers’, ‘village defence force’, and ‘village protection force’, operate independently of security agencies and have become a common sight in villages across the Imphal Valley and Churachandpur in the hills.
The volunteers, mostly in their late 20s and early 30s, patrol the roads and keep vigil over their villages in shifts, using weapons ranging from sticks and batons to rifles. They have set up checkpoints at the borders between Meitei and Kuki areas, screening vehicles and frisking people to prevent any unwanted intrusions. The volunteers claim that they were forced to take matters into their own hands as security forces failed to adequately protect them from the ethnic violence.
Many of these volunteers have left their jobs or studies to focus on the security of their villages. They have undergone training in basic combat skills, including the use of country-made weapons, for periods ranging from 20 days to two months. The volunteers operate under commanders, with their numbers exceeding 50,000 in Meitei-dominated regions and even more in Kuki areas.
Local officials have taken a cautious approach to the presence of these armed volunteers, allowing their activities as long as they remain peaceful. However, they maintain that they will take action under the Arms Act if the volunteers appear with weapons in front of security forces or government officials without proper licenses.
The ethnic violence has led to the marking of new borders between Meitei and Kuki areas, with both communities unable to travel between the hills and the valley. Other communities, such as Nagas and Muslims, can move between the regions but are subject to checks and escorts from border checkpoints.
The situation in Manipur remains tense, with even small incidents capable of triggering further violence. The presence of looted firearms from last year’s violence, which claimed over 200 lives and displaced 60,000 people, adds to the volatility of the situation.
The rise of youth vigilante groups in Manipur highlights the complex challenges faced by the state in addressing the ongoing ethnic conflict. While these volunteers claim to be acting in the interest of their communities, their presence and activities raise concerns about the potential for further violence and the erosion of the state’s authority. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for the government and security forces to find effective ways to restore peace and protect the lives and rights of all communities in Manipur.
