'Sinister Design': Kuki-Zo MLAs Urge PM Modi To Retain Assam Rifles In Manipur Amid Rumoured Replacement Plan

Ten Manipur MLAs appeal to PM Narendra Modi to prevent the replacement of Assam Rifles by CRPF in sensitive areas. They express concerns that removing Assam Rifles, who have local expertise, could escalate violence.

File Photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Source : PTI

Manipur News: In an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ten Kuki-Zo MLAs from Manipur have sought his intervention to ensure that the Assam Rifles (AR) continue to guard sensitive areas in the state, rather than being replaced by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). This appeal comes in the wake of reports suggesting the imminent replacement of two Assam Rifles battalions with CRPF units.

In their letter to the Prime Minister, the MLAs expressed concerns that removing the Assam Rifles, who have a profound understanding of the local terrain and people, could lead to an escalation of violence. The legislators described the Assam Rifles as a "neutral force" and criticised the proposed replacement as a "sinister design", news agency PTI reported.

"We have come to learn that there is a plan to withdraw the 9th and 22nd Battalions of AR from their current sensitive deployment in Kangvai and Kangpokpi. This wholesome decision to replace the aforementioned AR battalions with CRPF at this critical juncture is nothing but a sinister design," the MLAs stated in their memorandum, as quoted by PTI.

Kuki-Zo MLAs React To Report Claiming Assam Rifles To Be Moved To Jammu From Manipur

The call for the Prime Minister’s intervention follows media reports indicating that a significant number of Assam Rifles troops would be moved from Manipur to Jammu. The memorandum highlighted the crucial role played by the Assam Rifles in maintaining law and order, noting that their unbiased service has been instrumental in preventing the escalation of violence in the region.

"The Assam Rifles has the most experience among central armed police forces in Manipur with unparalleled knowledge of the local populace, both Kuki-Zo tribals and Meiteis. Their understanding of the culture and geopolitical sensitivities of the region has been crucial in fostering an environment of peace," the letter stated.

The MLAs also stressed that if the 9th and 22nd Battalions of the Assam Rifles were to be moved, they should be replaced by other battalions of the same force. 

The ethnic violence in Manipur has resulted in over 200 deaths and thousands being rendered homeless since it erupted in May last year. The conflict primarily involves the Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups.