Northeast Desk, 2nd September: Rajkumar Imo Singh, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Manipur, has expressed grave concerns about the escalating violence in the state in a letter addressed to Home Minister Amit Shah. Singh highlighted the ongoing conflict in Manipur, which has resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a woman, and left several others, including children and security personnel, injured.
In his letter, Singh underscored that the recent surge in violence occurred shortly after a Peace Rally was conducted across the state. He emphasized that the ongoing conflict is not merely an ethnic dispute but constitutes acts of terror perpetrated by illegal armed militants against the state of Manipur.
Singh pointed out that the violence, which began in May last year, has been persisting for 15-16 months. Despite expectations for political dialogue to bring about a peaceful resolution, certain groups continue to engage in violent activities. He expressed deep concern over the escalation of attacks, which now include drone strikes and shelling, tactics typically seen in conflict zones of neighboring countries.
“The attack has now been upgraded to drone attacks and shelling which we see in other neighbouring countries. It is at this juncture that I am resorted to questioning the Central Government regarding the actions related to stopping this violence,” Singh stated in his letter to the Home Minister.
Singh questioned the effectiveness of the 60,000 central forces currently deployed in Manipur, suggesting that if their presence is not bringing peace, it might be better to withdraw them and allow state forces to take control. He noted that certain units of the Assam Rifles (AR) had already been removed for not cooperating with the state government and the public, but stressed that if the central forces cannot stop the violence, the state forces should be allowed to take charge.
“It seems the presence of around 60,000 central forces in Manipur is not yielding peace, thus it’s better to remove such forces that are mostly present as mute spectators. We are pleased with the action to remove certain units of AR that were not cooperating with the State government and the public, but if the presence of these central forces cannot halt the violence, it is better to remove them and allow the State forces to take charge and bring peace in the State,” Singh stated.
Furthermore, Singh urged the Central Government to take stringent measures against illegal armed groups, including investigating the sources of their funding and supply of arms and ammunition. He also called for the unified command to be handed over to the state government and for political dialogue and engagement between all stakeholders to be initiated as soon as possible.
Expressing confidence in the Home Minister, Singh concluded his letter by urging Shah to take necessary actions to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.
Read More: Manipur Government Orders Combing Operations After Deadly Attack in Imphal West