Guwahati: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) on Wednesday expressed strong reservations over the Manipur Police’s recent mass transfer and posting orders, warning that the move could further destabilise the state’s fragile security situation amid the ongoing ethnic conflict.
In a press release issued on July 22, KIM referred to the transfer order issued by the Director General of Police on July 18, stating that while transfers are generally a routine administrative exercise, the prevailing socio-political conditions in Manipur demand greater caution and sensitivity.
The organisation argued that the cross-posting of police personnel from communities involved in the conflict to sensitive areas is not advisable under the current circumstances. It said such decisions could deepen mistrust between communities and increase the risk of fresh violence.
KIM alleged that the transfer exercise appeared to be an attempt to project an image of peace and normalcy despite the ground reality remaining volatile. It cautioned that even a routine administrative decision could trigger unrest and jeopardise the functioning of the law and order machinery.
The organisation further stated that the atmosphere in the state continues to be marked by deep ethnic divisions and hostility. It warned that deploying security personnel across community lines in conflict-prone areas could be perceived as a provocation, posing risks to both officers and civilians.
Calling on both the Centre and the Manipur government to reconsider the decision, KIM urged the authorities not to pursue what it described as “superficial peace” through administrative measures. Instead, it stressed the need for a durable political solution that addresses the concerns of the Kuki-Zo community.
The organisation also called for impartial law enforcement by state and central security forces and urged the government to withdraw the transfer order until meaningful progress is made towards a political settlement. It maintained that administrative decisions should reflect the sensitive ground realities rather than efforts to project a return to normalcy.