Manipur State
India has declared nine groups in the northeastern state of Manipur as “unlawful associations” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a controversial law that allows the government to designate groups as “terrorist” organizations and detain their members without trial.
The nine groups are:
People’s Liberation Army/Revolutionary Socialist Party (PLA/RSP)
People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Prepak)
Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP)
Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL)
United National Liberation Front (UNLF)
CorCom
People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Progressive) (Prepak-Pro)
Kangleipak Federal Force (KFF)
Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF)
Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA)
The Indian government has accused these groups of being involved in violence and insurgency in Manipur. However, the groups have defended their actions, saying that they are fighting for the self-determination of the Manipuri people.
The designation of these groups as “unlawful associations” is likely to further escalate tensions in Manipur. The UAPA has been criticized by human rights groups for its broad and vague definitions of terrorism, as well as for its lack of due process protections for detainees.
The Indian government has justified the use of the UAPA in Manipur, saying that it is necessary to combat terrorism and insurgency. However, critics have argued that the UAPA is being used to silence dissent and to target minority groups.
The designation of these nine groups as “unlawful associations” is a significant development in the conflict in Manipur. It is likely to have a major impact on the human rights situation in the state, and it could further escalate tensions between the Indian government and the Manipuri people.