Amid the ongoing unrest in Manipur, alarming reports have surfaced of Kuki insurgent groups recruiting child soldiers, particularly boys aged between 11 and 14, for combat operations. According to intelligence sources, this tactic is intended to build a generation of hardened operatives capable of sustaining their movement over the long term.

The Recruitment and its Objectives

The recruitment process is shrouded in secrecy, making it challenging for security forces to ascertain the exact number of minors involved. One identified case is that of a boy named Khaminlen, also known as Kiran Akhomin, reportedly affiliated with the Kuki National Front (KNF). Intelligence suggests his involvement in the November 11 attack on the Kanchup area, raising serious concerns about the operational roles assigned to child recruits.

Tactical and Legal Exploitation

Intelligence sources believe that Kuki groups are exploiting legal loopholes, aware that minors apprehended for insurgent activities face shorter jail terms compared to adult cadres. This not only minimizes long-term risks for the group but also creates a pool of loyal and trained recruits ready to assume leadership roles in the future.

Potential Drug Trafficking Link

The involvement of minors in insurgent activities may extend beyond combat roles. Security agencies fear they could be exploited as drug carriers, a tactic insurgent groups have used in the past. The porous borders and widespread drug trafficking in the region amplify these concerns.

Broader Implications

The recruitment of child soldiers not only constitutes a violation of international humanitarian laws but also poses severe threats to regional stability. Intelligence officials warn that such practices could embolden other insurgent factions, setting a dangerous precedent for the use of children in conflict zones across Northeast India.

Call for Action

The reports underline the urgent need for comprehensive counterinsurgency strategies. Experts suggest measures such as intensified intelligence operations, enhanced surveillance along borders, and initiatives aimed at deradicalizing vulnerable youth. Collaboration with local communities is also crucial to prevent the recruitment of children and to reintegrate those rescued into society.

As the conflict in Manipur persists, the exploitation of minors by insurgent groups marks a deeply concerning escalation, necessitating immediate action to safeguard the region’s future.