Northeast Desk, August 21, 2024 – The Kuki-Zo community in Twilang, Kangpokpi, witnessed an overwhelming sit-in protest today as hundreds of women rallied against the recent removal of the 22 Assam Rifles (AR) post at Banglabung Gelnal village. The protest highlighted growing concerns about the security implications of the post’s withdrawal in the conflict-prone region.
Women from various villages converged in a show of solidarity, expressing their fears over potential security threats that could arise from the post’s removal. The demonstrators, unified in their cause, chanted slogans demanding the immediate reinstatement of the Assam Rifles post. Their concerns were formally communicated through a memorandum submitted to the Post Commander of the 22 Assam Rifles, urging that it be forwarded to the Commanding Officer.
The memorandum underscored the critical role the Assam Rifles have played in maintaining security and stability in the region, especially since the onset of communal violence in Manipur. The Kuki Inpi Twilang Lhang, representing the broader Kuki-Zo community, detailed how the Assam Rifles have been instrumental in the safe evacuation of over 60,000 Kuki-Zo civilians from the Imphal Valley and tens of thousands of Meitei civilians from Kuki-Zo-dominated areas. The community praised the Assam Rifles for their impartial and non-communal approach, which they believe has been vital in preserving peace.
The protest also raised concerns about demands from Meitei civil society organizations, particularly the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), for the replacement of the Assam Rifles with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The Kuki-Zo community fears that such a move could destabilize the region and potentially reignite violence. The memorandum argued that replacing the Assam Rifles would erode trust in the state and central governments, potentially leading to renewed tensions in the already fragile area.
The demonstration concluded with a passionate plea for the continued presence of the Assam Rifles in all Kuki-Zo areas, with the community pledging their full cooperation to ensure the region remains peaceful and secure. Enock Kipgen, President of the Kuki Students’ Organization (KSO) Twilang Lhang, also addressed the protest, reinforcing the community’s concerns and the urgent need for sustained security measures in the region.