Northeast Desk, 24th January: Ten Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi-Hmar MLAs from Manipur have formally written to Union Minister Amit Shah, urging the re-imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the valley. In their letter, the Kuki MLAs expressed concern over a recent resolution adopted by non-Kuki-Zomi-Hmar representatives, characterizing it as a one-sided decision that undermines the ongoing political dialogue between the Suspension of Operation (SoO) Group and the State and Central Government.
The letter highlighted the alleged coercive tactics used in obtaining signatures for the resolution and accused it of being a sinister ploy to tarnish the image of SoO groups. Additionally, the MLAs raised concerns about the continued presence of Meitei personnel among the State Commando Forces in the Kuki Zo border town of Moreh, linking it to violence in the region.
The MLAs suggested that withdrawing all Meitei personnel from the State Forces in Moreh and deploying Tribal Police Officers and Personnel, similar to measures taken in other districts, could contribute to peace and tranquility. They asserted that allowing the Assam Rifles and the Indian Army full powers under AFSPA is essential to recovering arms looted from the State Police and IRB, as incidents of looting and violence persist in the Manipur valley.
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