The Kuki-Zo tribal groups in Tengnoupal district had recently welcomed a ‘Peace Agreement’ between the Indian government and the Meitei militant faction UNLF (Pambei) on December 3. Meanwhile, the Manipur government restored mobile internet services across the state, with some exceptions, till December 18, citing improved law and order.

However, mobile towers in specific areas, including those between districts such as Chandel and Kakching, Churachandpur and Bishnupur, and Tengnoupal and Kakching, will still face suspended operations. Mobile internet had been suspended in the state since May 3 following outbreaks of violence.

Manipur has experienced ongoing violence since ethnic clashes erupted in May, resulting in over 180 fatalities. The clashes revolve around grievances related to Meiteis’ Scheduled Tribe status and attempts to relocate tribals from protected forest areas. Meiteis constitute 53 percent of Manipur’s population and primarily inhabit the Imphal valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40 percent and reside mainly in the hill districts.

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Taking a major step towards the northeastern states, the central government has decided to regionalize the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. This special law will now be limited to certain areas of these states. There has been a long-standing demand for the removal of this law from the North-Eastern states.

However, instead of doing away with it completely, the Center has decided to limit it to some disturbed areas. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has welcomed this decision of the government. He said the decision would usher in a new era of peace and prosperity in the North-Eastern states which have been suffering from decades of neglect.

Not only there have been repeated protests in the north-eastern states on the issue of AFSPA, in some states this issue has also been made a political issue. But now the central government is reducing the AFSPA in the area, there will be relief on many issues at once.

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