In a significant move, Manipur Police has procured 7.62 mm medium machine guns (MMGs) and sought the Indian Army’s assistance to train its personnel. This development comes as militant attacks, including drone and missile strikes, continue to escalate in the violence-stricken state. The sophisticated military-grade weaponry raises concerns, especially since MMGs are not typically used by police or paramilitary forces.
Historically, the use of such heavy firepower has been restricted to warfare scenarios. MMGs are designed to cover large areas with bursts of bullets, making them more suitable for military engagements than law enforcement. So why has Manipur Police felt the need for these weapons? The state’s ongoing communal violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has claimed lives and deepened ethnic tensions since May 2023, has been cited as a primary reason.
The Congress party has raised strong objections, questioning the neutrality of a police force already accused of ethnic bias in handling the conflict. Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee Vice President, Lamtinthang Haokip, criticized the central government for arming what he referred to as “communal Police Commandos.”
Despite these concerns, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh claims that the procurement of MMGs is a response to the sophisticated weaponry allegedly being used by Kuki militants. The timing of the procurement aligns with a fresh wave of violence, where drone attacks led to multiple civilian casualties.
The upgrade of Manipur Police’s arsenal with MMGs has further fueled speculation about the state’s handling of the conflict and its potential to spiral into more widespread violence. With the police now receiving training in the use of these powerful weapons, the situation in Manipur remains tense, and the potential for further escalation looms large.
Key Takeaways
- Manipur Police’s acquisition of MMGs is unusual for a law enforcement agency.
- Communal violence between Meitei and Kuki communities continues to disrupt the state.
- The move has sparked concerns over the neutrality of the state police force.