GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 1st Oct. The situation in Manipur has become a battle of narratives, Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi said today, emphasizing the importance of dispelling false narratives.
Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024, he addressed two key issues tied to the ongoing violence: the alleged burning of a significant Kuki tribes’ public installation on May 3, 2023, and a controversial leaked intelligence report about Kuki militants allegedly entering India from Myanmar.
General Dwivedi clarified that the rumor of the Anglo-Kuki war centenary gate being burned was false, which he confirmed through ground checks. He also refuted allegations of drone bombings in the region, calling it a “false narrative.” He noted the need for a “whole-of-nation approach” to stabilize the tense situation, exacerbated by social fractures and the proliferation of weapons.
He highlighted the concerns stemming from Myanmar, where ethnic insurgencies are ongoing, and emphasized the importance of controlling narratives to prevent polarization among communities. The army chief revealed that approximately 25% of looted weapons had been recovered and that efforts were underway to restore trust among ex-servicemen and local communities.
Regarding foreign assistance to insurgent groups, General Dwivedi acknowledged the complexity of the issue while urging against the buildup of erroneous narratives. The Centre has banned valley-based insurgent groups (VBIGs) and signed a tripartite suspension of operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups, which has faced criticism amid ongoing ethnic violence.
The clashes between the Meitei community and the Kuki tribes have resulted in over 220 fatalities and displaced nearly 50,000 individuals. The Meiteis seek Scheduled Tribe status, while the Kukis demand a separate administration due to perceived discrimination and resource disparities.
The post Manipur Violence: General Dwivedi Calls to Curb ‘False Narratives’ appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
