Government Bans Nine Meitei Extremist Groups in Manipur for Anti-National Activities
In a major development, the government has taken the decision to ban nine Meitei extremist groups and their associated organizations, citing their anti-national activities and deadly attacks on security forces. These groups, primarily operating in the state of Manipur, have been banned for a period of five years, according to a notification issued the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The extremist groups that have been banned include the Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA) and its political wing Revolutionary Peoples’ Front (RPF), the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and its armed wing Manipur Peoples’ Army (MPA). Additionally, the government has also banned the Peoples’ Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and its armed wing Red Army, the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and its armed wing, the Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL), the Coordination Committee (CorCom), and the Alliance for Socialist Unity Kangleipak (ASUK).
These groups were previously banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the recent action extends the ban another five years. The Ministry of Home Affairs has stated that these organizations aim to establish an independent nation seceding Manipur from India through armed struggle and inciting indigenous people for such secession.
The government has highlighted the groups’ engagement in activities that threaten the sovereignty and integrity of India, including attacks on security forces, intimidation, extortion, and the procurement of funds through unlawful activities.
In light of the threat posed these extremist organizations, the government has taken action to declare them as ‘unlawful associations’ for a period of five years, with the ban set to be effective from the 13th of November, 2023.
This decision comes amidst ongoing bouts of violence in Manipur, with more than 180 people having been killed in ethnic clashes since May. Tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities have been a major flashpoint, with issues arising from the proposed Scheduled Tribe status for Meiteis. The state is home to a diverse population, with Meiteis accounting for 53% and tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, making up 40% of the population.