The Manipur government announced on May 2 that it will issue licensed guns to people of two villages – Heirok in Thoubal district and Chajing in Imphal West district, to help protect themselves against the militants. This was for the first time in the insurgency-afflicted northeastern state that such a decision had been taken1. Under the plan, the state would recruit as many as 500 Special Police Officers from among the youths of Heirok and Chajing, with a remuneration of Rs. 300 each and also arm them with 303 rifles.

Several civil society groups including the Apunba Lup, and the United Committee Manipur (UCM) have slammed the cabinet’s decision. They termed the move as an attempt to trigger ‘bloodshed’ among the Manipuri people2.

Separately, at least six Manipur-based People’s United Liberation Front (PULF) militants including the outfit’s general secretary were arrested from a hotel in Mysore, Karnataka on April 273.

• 1. “Manipur to arm villagers to fight militants,” The Hindu, May 4, 2008, at http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/04/stories/2008050455171000.htm
• 2. “Mixed reactions to Ibobi move,” Telegraph, May 4, 2008, at http://telegraphindia.com/1080504/jsp/frontpage/story_9223034.jsp
• 3. “Mysore hotel raid yields 6 PULF rebels,” Telegraph, April 28, 2008, at http://telegraphindia.com/1080428/jsp/northeast/story_9196739.jsp