BJP MLAs unimpressed with central forces, security advisor, DGP
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 02 2024: Sagolband MLA RK Imo has written a letter to union home minister Amit Shah, expressing deep anguish over the continuing violence in Manipur and calling for withdrawal of central forces from the state while his Thangmeiband counterpart Kh Joykisan doubted competency of security advisor Kuldiep Singh and DGP Rajiv Singh.

In his missive, the Sagolband MLA argued that the presence of approximately 60,000 central security personnel in the state has not contributed to peace, and instead, suggested that the state forces be given full control to restore peace and order.

RK Imo stated that the central forces currently deployed in Manipur have been largely ineffective in stopping the violence that has been plaguing the state since May 2023, claiming that many central security units are merely "mute spectators" to the ongoing unrest, which has escalated to the extent of using drone attacks and shelling.

While welcoming the recent decision to pull out certain units of the Assam Rifles, which were not cooperating with the state government and the public, he emphasised that if the presence of these central forces cannot halt the violence, it would be better to remove them altogether and allow the state forces to take charge.

The MLA highlighted that Sunday's Koutruk incident in which two individuals, including an innocent woman, were killed and several others, including children and security personnel, were injured occurred following a so-called peace rally across the state; which the MLA described as a facade for further violence being orchestrated by illegal armed insurgents and militant groups.

He asserted that these are not mere ethnic conflicts but acts of terror against the state of Manipur, perpetuated by illegal armed militants with larger, undisclosed interests.

RK Imo also called upon the Central government to take more stringent measures against illegal armed militant and insurgent groups violating the ground rules of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.

He urged the home ministry to abrogate the SoO agreement signed with these groups, echoing a resolution passed by the Manipur Assembly earlier this year along with stressing that continuation of violence, now extending over 15 months, indicates a need for decisive action against those who fuel unrest to serve their own agendas.

Furthermore, the MLA requested investigation into the funding and supply of arms and ammunition to these groups, arguing that the prolonged conflict could not have persisted without significant external support.

He urged immediate action to halt the supply of illegal arms and ammunition, which he believes is crucial to stopping the violence in Manipur.

RK Imo also advocated handing over of the unified command to the chief minister, to allow local authorities to act in accordance with prescribed legal procedures, expressed frustration over the current command structure unable to curb the violence and emphasised that the state government be given the authority to lead efforts to bring peace and normalcy to the region.

Lastly, the MLA underscored the importance of political dialogue and engagement among all stakeholders, urging the Central government to initiate talks to achieve a permanent and peaceful solution.

He acknowledged that this process may take time but stressed that it should be started as soon as possible to address the ongoing crisis.

RK Imo concluded his letter by expressing confidence that the union home minister would not remain idle but engage with various sections of the government and society to bring peace and normalcy to Manipur.

However, he emphasised that the people of Manipur want to see tangible actions on the ground to immediately halt the violence and work towards lasting peace in the region.

Meanwhile, Thangmeiband MLA Kh Joykisan raised serious concerns over competence of the security advisor Kuldiep Singh, and DGP Rajiv Singh, in handling the ongoing crisis in Manipur.

He questioned how many innocent lives must be lost before peace is restored in the state, while urging immediate and decisive action from both state and Central authorities.

During a visit to Shija Hospitals, where he met Impact TV reporter Elangbam Musuk, who was injured by shrapnel from a bomb dropped using a drone, MLA Joykisan provided cash assistance to the injured journalist.

The use of drone technology, typically seen in international warfare, marks a serious escalation in the violence, Joykisan noted, calling it an alarming development that should not be taken lightly.

He urged the union defence and home ministers to intervene, investigate perpetrators behind such attacks, and take decisive action against them.

MLA Joykisan also criticised the apparent inaction of central forces during the Koutruk incident on Sunday and questioned competencies of security advisor Kuldiep Singh and DGP Rajiv Singh, stating that the public are losing confidence in their ability to manage the crisis.

He asked if they are thinking that losing multiple lives and allowing the violence to protract for some years while firing tear gas to suppress public anger will resolve the issue.

Being a member of BJP, Joykisan maintained his faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed hope in the 100-day assurance given by the central government to resolve the situation.

He called upon his fellow party members, including the chief minister, party president, ministers, and MLAs, to take a firm stand, guided by the principle of "nation first".

The MLA shared his condolences with the families of those who died in the Koutruk incident and reiterated the need for proactive measures from both the government and legislators to resolve the crisis.

He pointed out that there are fewer than 10 major attack bases from which assaults on civilians are being launched.

With over 50,000 central forces deployed in the state, Joykisan opined that stationing at least 2,000 personnel at each of these bases could effectively prevent further attacks.

Emphasising the need for a peaceful resolution without further loss of life and property, Joykisan urged state leaders not to remain silent during this critical time.

He also condemned certain national media outlets, accusing them of having a nefarious agenda to discredit the Meetei community by presenting a skewed perspective that wrongly portrays the Meetei as oppressing minorities.

This biased reporting should not go unnoticed, he stated, calling for a more balanced and factual representation of the ongoing crisis in Manipur.

Mention may be made that former CRPF director general Kuldiep Singh was appointed by the Ministry of Home Affairs as a security advisor to the Manipur government following the outbreak of violence in the state last year while the Unified Command, which oversees reports from various agencies and forces, coordinates operational requirements in consultation with the Manipur government.

It is also pertinent to add here that in an interview with PTI Videos on Thursday, chief minister N Biren promised to fully restore peace in the state in six months with the Centre's help, and also ruled out stepping down, saying he has neither committed a crime nor spawned a scandal.

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