Army DGMO visit to Manipur, Signaling a Security First Approach

Indian Army DGMO [Centre] in Manipur

There are inherent complications of such as approach in Manipur with a history of very active civil society and interventions in the security domain in the past.

In a signal of a security first approach that is now being adopted, Director General Military Operations (DGMO) of Indian Army Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, visited Manipur on 24 and 25 February 2025 to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) and insights into the status of ongoing border infrastructure developments in the state.

During his visit, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai called on the Governor of Manipur Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the State Security Advisor, the Chief Secretary of Manipur and the Director General of Police Manipur as per a Ministry of  Defence Press Release.

The DGMO focused on the operational preparedness of the Indian Army, carried out an assessment of the security situation along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB), and the current security dynamics in the state, including fringe areas. He also emphasised on a 'whole of Government approach' during interactions with key stakeholders.

Normally DGMO visits are never publicized as this is seen as revealing the operational strategy of the government.  However, in this case a Ministry of Defence press release having done so, is possibly sending a signal to the public at large. Is this a precursor to the imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Manipur remains to be seen?

There are inherent complications of such as approach in Manipur with a history of very active civil society and interventions in the security domain in the past.

This comes even as leaders of the Meitei village volunteer group Arambai Tenggol met the Governor Mr Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan to discuss efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the strife-torn state. The outfit's leaders reportedly proposed certain conditions for the surrender of arms during their discussion with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. Apparently, the Governor could have been expected to shoot down these.

On February 20, Governor Bhalla issued an appeal urging people from all communities to surrender looted and illegally held weapons within seven days, assuring that those who comply would not face punitive action. The Arambai Tenggol delegation was led by its commander-in-chief, Tyson Ngangbam, also known as Korounganba Khuman, along with other officials. "The Governor requested us to give up arms. However, we put forward certain terms and conditions and assured him that the weapons would be surrendered if those conditions were met," spokesperson Robin Mangang said.

While a security first approach now in Manipur is welcome, the ultimate solution will remain a political one for which considerable will be required to be displayed by Delhi.