"China Aid" hint from ex-Army chief about violence in Manipur

In a statement highlighting the role of "Chinese aid to various insurgent groups" in the northeastern state, former Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane warned that involvement of foreign agencies in Manipur's violent situation "cannot be ruled out." General Naravane remarked, "Internal security is very important," during a talk on "National Security Perspectives" at the India International Centre in Delhi on Friday. Instability is detrimental to our overall national security if it exists not just in our border state but also in our neighboring nation.

The former chief of the army voiced faith in the government's efforts to put an end to the state's unrest. "We should refrain from questioning those who are in the chair and responsible for taking the actions that need to be taken; I am confident that they are doing their best."

"The local expert knows what needs to be done in the best way. Uncertainty certainly hinders our efforts to maintain a strong sense of national security, and involvement by foreign intelligence services cannot be ruled out. But I will say that it is undoubtedly present, particularly Chinese support for the various insurgent groups. Because China has been providing this support for so long, I am confident that it will continue.

General Naravane also brought up the prospect that certain groups could gain from the ongoing unrest in Manipur, which could make them reluctant to put an end to the unrest and restore peace to the area.