Decades-Old Extortion Racket: Why Manipur's Real Crisis Isn't Just Ethnic
The ongoing instability in Manipur is deeply rooted in a sophisticated extortion infrastructure developed by insurgent groups over several decades. While recent ethnic violence has dominated headlines, the underlying economic coercion by armed factions continues to undermine the state's functional g
For decades, various insurgent groups in Manipur have established a parallel administrative system that relies on systematic extortion from businesses, government officials, and local residents. This coercion is often presented under the guise of revolutionary taxes required for the pursuit of ethnic statehood or sovereignty.
This entrenched shadow economy has normalized illegal taxation, creating a cycle where armed groups maintain significant influence over the local market and public infrastructure projects. The pre-existing network of illicit financial collection provided a framework that exacerbated the breakdown of order leading up to the 2023 ethnic conflicts.
Security analysts note that the crisis extends beyond communal grievances, as the survival of these armed factions depends on their ability to enforce financial demands on the population. Breaking this decades-old cycle remains a primary hurdle for long-term peace and economic stability in the region.
Source: The Indian Express
