31 Manipur MLAs urge Amit Shah to move Assam Rifles out of state

A group of 31 MLAs from Manipur have unanimously resolved to urge Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure that the central security forces adopt a more proactive approach to ensure lasting peace in the region, which has been elusive over the past two months.

The MLAs have proposed to the Union Home Minister to replace the 9th Assam Rifles, the 22nd Assam Rifles, and the 37th Assam Rifles with central security forces which are more inclined towards promoting unity in Manipur. They said that there were concerns regarding the roles played by certain units of the Assam Rifles, which currently pose a threat to the unity of the state.

The representation mentioned that a comprehensive investigation must be conducted into the public display of firearms and ammunition during the Peace March held on July 5, 2023, in Churachandpur. It raised questions regarding the source of these arms and ammunition, as well as their continuous availability, which have played a crucial role in this violence.


The MLAs have urged Shah, in their representation, to take stronger and effective action against armed insurgent/cross border armed insurgent groups operating in the state. They also reiterated their commitment to initiating decisive measures against these armed groups which have violated the established ground rules of engagement. They felt that any conflict cannot persist for such an extended period without the support of armed factions.

The MLAs affirmed that violence in the peripheral areas must be stopped.

"Once all forms of violence and aggression cease in these areas, we can work towards achieving a peaceful solution through extensive consultations with all stakeholders involved," they stated.

The MLAs suggested that enhanced security measures such as increased highway patrolling along National Highway 2 are required to facilitate the safe transportation of goods. The completion of the border fencing along the Manipur section of the Indo-Myanmar border should also be expedited.

At least 150 people have been killed and several hundreds injured since ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3.

PROTEST IN MIZORAM

Meanwhile, the ZO Reunification Organisation (ZORO) on Wednesday organised a rally at Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, regarding the ongoing violence in Manipur.

At the rally, R Sangkawia, ZORO president, condemned the attacks on Zo ethnic people and the silence of the Prime Minister.

He said that "the head of the family takes care of his children, but it appears that the Government of India does not care about the Zo people".

The rally passed a resolution which stated that the people of Mizoram stood in solidarity with "our brothers and sisters in Manipur who have lost their lives, properties, livelihoods, and their fight for survival and demand for a separate administration.