Union Government Bans 9 Meitei Extremist Organizations from Manipur for 5 Years Under UAPA

In a significant move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared nine Meitei extremist organizations as “unlawful associations” under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). This measure, effective for five years, aims to curb their alleged engagement in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India. The banned groups primarily operate in Manipur and have been identified for their secessionist, subversive, terrorist, and violent activities.

Decree of Unlawfulness of Meitei organizations: Central Government’s Announcement

The Central Government, exercising its authority under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, declared several Meitei extremist organizations as unlawful associations. These include the Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA) and its political wing, the Revolutionary Peoples’ Front (RPF), the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and its armed wing, the Manipur Peoples’ Army (MPA), the Peoples’ Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and its armed wing, the ‘Red Army’, the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and its armed wing, also called the ‘Red Army’, the Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL), the Coordination Committee (CorCom), and the Alliance for Socialist Unity Kangleipak (ASUK) along with all their factions, wings, and front organizations.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the Central government hereby declares the Meitei extremist organisations, namely – the Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA) and its political wing, the Revolutionary Peoples’ Front (RPF), the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and its armed wing, the Manipur Peoples’ Army (MPA), the Peoples’ Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and its armed wing, the ‘Red Army’, the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and its armed wing, also called the ‘Red Army’, the Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL), the Coordination Committee (CorCom) and the Alliance for Socialist Unity Kangleipak (ASUK) along with all their factions, wings and front organisations, as unlawful associations,” the notification read.

Allegations and Professed Aims: Independence through Armed Struggle

The notification by the Home Ministry highlights the professed aim of these organizations to establish an independent nation by seceding Manipur from India through armed struggle. The government’s declaration cites concerns about their potential to incite indigenous people of Manipur for secession and emphasizes the need to curtail their activities.

Government’s Justification: Immediate Curb Essential

The central government, in justifying its action, asserts that immediate curbing and control of these Meitei extremist organizations are essential. It expresses apprehension that without intervention, these groups might mobilize their cadres to escalate secessionist, subversive, terrorist, and violent activities. The government contends that these organizations could collaborate with forces inimical to the sovereignty and integrity of India, leading to anti-national activities, civilian casualties, and attacks on law enforcement personnel.

Anticipated Activities: Violence, Arms Procurement, and Fund Collection

The notification anticipates that, if left unchecked, these banned organizations might engage in violence, including ethnic clashes. It warns of potential collaboration with external forces, illegal arms and ammunition procurement from across borders, and extortion of funds from the public to support their unlawful activities. The government is determined to prevent these anticipated activities that threaten the peace and security of the region.

Background: Ethnic Clashes and Unrest in Manipur

Against the backdrop of violent ethnic clashes in Manipur since May 3, with more than 180 deaths and numerous injuries, the government’s decision to ban these extremist organizations gains significance. The clashes were triggered by the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in the hill districts, responding to the Meitei community’s plea for Scheduled Tribe status. The conflict underscores the complex socio-political landscape in Manipur, with various communities expressing dissent and seeking recognition.

Proactive Measures to Safeguard Sovereignty

The government’s move to ban these Meitei extremist organizations for a five-year period reflects its proactive stance in safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of India. The decision seeks to address potential threats posed by these groups, especially in the context of ongoing ethnic clashes and unrest in Manipur. The government’s actions underscore the commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region, emphasizing the need for decisive measures against entities engaged in activities detrimental to the nation’s well-being.