Twilang protests removal of AR post
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, August 20 2024: Braving the inclement weather, hundreds of Kuki-Zo women from across Twilang region staged protest on Tuesday against the withdrawal of 22 Assam Rifles post from Banglabung Gelnal village.

The protest, organised under the aegis of Kuki Inpi Twilang Lhang (KITL), highlighted the community's concerns over absence of security presence in the area as women folk from various villages voiced fears over potential security risks posed by the removal of the AR post.

Throughout the protest, agitators chanted slogans demanding reinstatement of the AR post.

The protestors later marched towards the 22 AR Banglabung post and handed oyer a memorandum to the post commander for submission to the commanding officer, emphasising the community's apprehensions and calling upon the authorities to reconsider the decision.

In the memorandum, KITL urged for continued presence of AR in the hills of Manipur and mentioned crucial role AR played since the outbreak of ethnic violence in the state, including safe evacuation of over 60,000 Kuki-Zo civilians from Imphal valley, as well as thousands of Meetei civilians from Kuki-Zo-dominated areas.

KITL stressed that the impartiality demonstrated by AR has been vital for maintaining peace and stability, ensuring that their actions remain non-partisan and non-communal.

Concerns have been raised regarding recent demands by Meetei civil society organisations, led by COCOMI, for the removal of AR and their replacement by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The memorandum argued that acceding to such demands would be an irresponsible and illogical move, potentially leading to unnecessary tension and unwanted repercussions.

The Kuki-Zo community expressed fear that if the AR were to be replaced, it would erode trust in the state and central governments and could reignite violence in the region.

The memorandum concluded with an earnest plea for retention of AR in all Kuki-Zo areas, assuring full cooperation and support to ensure continued peace and security in the region.

KSO Twilang Lhang president Enock Kipgen also spoke during the protest.

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