Securitization in Moreh town of Manipur State, India and the impact of the Myanmar political conflict

Abstract

The border of Moreh town is a major security concern for the Manipur State of India due to its location whereby it shares the border with neighboring Myanmar and the diverse population characteristics. Furthermore, the conflict in Myanmar following a military coup in 2021 heightened regional tensions. It impacted people in the nation and neighboring countries as a result of mass migration fleeing political and economic difficulties. The objective of this article is to examine the security policy-making process and its components in Moreh town, as well as the impact of Myanmar's political crisis on human security, using Securitization Theory as a framework. This study employs qualitative research methodology, primarily relying on secondary documents. According to the findings of this study, the government, both federal and state, is the primary securitizing actor in Moreh town, with other non-actors in dual process of securitization, prioritizing illegal migration as a case study. While insurgencies and other cross-border crimes are also important security issues in the area. As a result of border restrictions and limitations, these issues could have an impact on both national and human security.

Keywords

• Border security
• Indo-Myanmar border
• Manipur security
• Myanmar conflict