Opinion on Arming Citizens
Between militants & faltering forces, why jeopardise civilians further?
IF Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh commits himself to a joint action committee’s suggestion that civilians be allowed arms in defence against militants, it will amount to a tacit admission that his government has failed in the duty it promised to fulfil in the first place.
It was only in March, following the killing of two girls and a man by militants at Heirok during Holi celebrations, that the committee came into being, and its demand, apart from asking for the supply of 300 arms, include better electrification of areas surrounding localities and the installation of loudspeakers. It probably has in mind something on the lines of a village resistance group or citizens’ protection committee. Which means its volunteers will have to be trained to handle arms. In which case, given militant sophistry, can the government afford the responsibility of equipping civilians with sophisticated firearms?
It is well known enough that militants in Manipur target police and security force convoys, not only killing their personnel but decamping with their arms and ammunition. There had been several instances of Manipur armed police personnel and VIP escort teams meekly surrendering their weapons to militants to save their skins. And also of youths joining the police force and disappearing with arms and ammunition. Arming civilians could be an open invitation to militants and one likely self-defeating consequence could be an endless confrontation between the two groups. It is the duty of law enforcing agencies to keep the peace, so it is best left to them. The administration must recognise the primacy of the police by strengthening it in terms of men, equipment and mobility and setting up more outposts, particularly in vulnerable areas.
Despite having elite commandos and armed police and India Reserve Battalions, the administration has not been able to clip militants’ wings. The reason is simple. Some years ago the Union home ministry revealed that of the nine Manipur Rifles battalions, eight were permanently detailed to protect ministers, legislators and senior police officers!
Interestingly, the administration seems to be overly fond of creating a new force every time there is a crisis. When militants disrupted traffic along Manipur’s main lifeline — the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway — “Road Opening Parties” were formed. The Rapid Action Force was already there but after a series of abductions came yet another creation — the Rapid Reaction Force. The moot point is, if the people are to organise themselves for self-protection, what purpose will it serve to deploy a large number of security forces and also continue the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act? Manipur’s festering wounds need a political solution. Ibobi must muster enough courage to realise as much and initiate action.
Source: The Statesman
IF Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh commits himself to a joint action committee’s suggestion that civilians be allowed arms in defence against militants, it will amount to a tacit admission that his government has failed in the duty it promised to fulfil in the first place.
It was only in March, following the killing of two girls and a man by militants at Heirok during Holi celebrations, that the committee came into being, and its demand, apart from asking for the supply of 300 arms, include better electrification of areas surrounding localities and the installation of loudspeakers. It probably has in mind something on the lines of a village resistance group or citizens’ protection committee. Which means its volunteers will have to be trained to handle arms. In which case, given militant sophistry, can the government afford the responsibility of equipping civilians with sophisticated firearms?
It is well known enough that militants in Manipur target police and security force convoys, not only killing their personnel but decamping with their arms and ammunition. There had been several instances of Manipur armed police personnel and VIP escort teams meekly surrendering their weapons to militants to save their skins. And also of youths joining the police force and disappearing with arms and ammunition. Arming civilians could be an open invitation to militants and one likely self-defeating consequence could be an endless confrontation between the two groups. It is the duty of law enforcing agencies to keep the peace, so it is best left to them. The administration must recognise the primacy of the police by strengthening it in terms of men, equipment and mobility and setting up more outposts, particularly in vulnerable areas.
Despite having elite commandos and armed police and India Reserve Battalions, the administration has not been able to clip militants’ wings. The reason is simple. Some years ago the Union home ministry revealed that of the nine Manipur Rifles battalions, eight were permanently detailed to protect ministers, legislators and senior police officers!
Interestingly, the administration seems to be overly fond of creating a new force every time there is a crisis. When militants disrupted traffic along Manipur’s main lifeline — the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway — “Road Opening Parties” were formed. The Rapid Action Force was already there but after a series of abductions came yet another creation — the Rapid Reaction Force. The moot point is, if the people are to organise themselves for self-protection, what purpose will it serve to deploy a large number of security forces and also continue the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act? Manipur’s festering wounds need a political solution. Ibobi must muster enough courage to realise as much and initiate action.
Source: The Statesman
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