At the outskirts of Imphal, a public funeral for a PLA militant attracts thousands of supporters, showcasing a disparity in how insurgency-related events are handled in different parts of India.
BY PC Bureau
The controversy surrounding the burial of a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) militant in the capital of BJP-ruled Manipur on Friday has sparked a debate about the contrasting approaches toward insurgency in different regions of India. While Manipur witnessed a public event glorifying the militant, Kashmir remains under a strict regime where such displays are categorically prohibited. The inconsistency in national security and law enforcement policies raises critical questions about government strategies in handling insurgencies.
The controversy erupted following the cburial of a senior leader of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Henthoiba alias Salam Nganba Meitei, in Imphal on Friday. Henthoiba, 28, was killed in a recent clash near the Indo-Myanmar border. Despite the PLA being a proscribed militant organization under Indian law, a massive public funeral was held in Imphal without any intervention from law enforcement agencies.
While the nation celebrates No Tax or New Tax Regime which gives a huge relief to middle class, the secessionist meiteis are glorifying the dead of their secessionist PLA terr0rists openly, with full arms, in meitei area. How can this be allowed @manipur_police @adgpi @NIA_India? pic.twitter.com/JNqc1tekC4
— David 𝐊𝐮𝐤𝐢 (@KipsKuki) February 1, 2025
Thousands of locals, including family members and sympathizers, attended the cremation ceremony, paying homage to the militant leader. The outpouring of support was evident as slogans were raised, flowers were offered, and the event took on the semblance of a public rally. Notably, the police remained conspicuously absent throughout the proceedings, raising questions about the enforcement of laws related to banned groups.
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The Kashmir Parallel: No Room for Glorification
In sharp contrast, Jammu and Kashmir, which has long been a hotspot for insurgency, follows a strict policy when it comes to militants’ funerals. Security forces in the Valley have often resorted to discreet burials in remote locations to prevent mass gatherings and the potential glorification of slain militants.
India Under Attack. Meitei Separatists have taken over Manipur.
Meitei Separatist group PLA is one of the Terrorist outfits banned by @HMOIndia
They fight resistance forces alongside Junta in Myanmar. See the burial ceremony with its cadres displaying full arms @manipur_police pic.twitter.com/ehuGAFPAH0— Jenifer Vaiphei (@Jenifer_Vaiphei) February 1, 2025
High-profile cases such as the death of Burhan Wani, a Hizbul Mujahideen commander, in 2016 led to widespread unrest. Authorities have since adopted a stringent approach to prevent militant funerals from becoming rallying points for anti-India sentiment. Families are often denied access to the bodies of militants, and burials are conducted under heavy security at undisclosed locations.
Even in less high-profile cases, the presence of police and paramilitary forces is a given, with strict prohibitions on public gatherings and slogans glorifying militants.
A Stark Contrast in BJP-Ruled Manipur
The irony becomes more pronounced given that both Manipur and Kashmir are under BJP-led governments, ostensibly sharing similar national security priorities. The leniency shown during the cremation of the PLA militant in Manipur stands in stark contrast to the zero-tolerance approach in Kashmir.
Rest in Power, Private Henthoi (Salam Nganba Meitei).
A son of the soil, he joined @PLAManipur after the May 3, 2023, #Kuki aggression to defend Manipur’s integrity. On 27-01-2025, he made the ultimate sacrifice in battle against KNA(B).
Your courage echoes beyond time. pic.twitter.com/8gBFyzjplc
— Vir Bhadra Yumnam (@virbhadrayumnam) January 30, 2025
Security experts have expressed concerns over the apparent double standards. “Allowing mass gatherings for the cremation of a banned militant sends a contradictory message. It risks emboldening insurgent groups and undermines the state’s authority,” said a former intelligence official.
Political and Social Ramifications
The contrasting approaches have sparked debates over the politicization of security policies. Critics argue that while the BJP government takes a hardline stance in Kashmir to project nationalistic strength, it appears more lenient in Manipur to avoid alienating local communities.
Social activists in Manipur, however, argue that the large turnout for the cremation reflects genuine grievances and a deep-seated sense of alienation among the local population. “Ignoring these sentiments can be detrimental to peace-building efforts,” said a human rights advocate.
The contrasting handling of militant funerals in Kashmir and Manipur underscores a need for a consistent and transparent policy. The government must address the perception of double standards, ensuring that national security concerns are balanced with respect for local communities. Only through a fair and consistent approach can India hope to address the complex challenges posed by insurgency and militancy across its diverse regions.
What is PLA?
The PLA (People’s Liberation Army) of Manipur is an insurgent group based in the Imphal Vally in Manipur. The PLA is one of the oldest insurgent groups in the region and is considered a banned organization by the Indian government.
The group is believed to have been formed in 1978, with the goal of achieving sovereignty for Manipur and establishing an independent state free from Indian rule. Over the years, the PLA has been involved in armed conflicts with Indian security forces and has also participated in various acts of violence, including bombings, ambushes, and attacks on military personnel.
The PLA is known for its links with other insurgent groups and cross-border connections with militants in Myanmar. The group has been involved in the supply of weapons and training from sources in Myanmar.
Due to its violent activities and aims of secession, the PLA is considered a terrorist organization by the Indian government . However, despite this, the group maintains significant support among certain sections of the population in Manipur, with some viewing the PLA as fighting for the rights and independence of the indigenous people of the region.
