MLA teams urge Rajnath to stop infiltration, petition PM
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 19 2023:
A delegation of 23 Bharatiya Janata Pam and National People's Party (NPP) legislators along with Rajya Sabha MP Leishem -ba Sanajaoba met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Delhi on Monday and apprised him of the ground situation and how infiltration of armed militants from across the border created the present restive situation in the state.
The MLAs also met finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and in both meetings, pointed out measures to contain violence in the state.
The legislators also urged the Centre to end the violence and protect territorial integrity of Manipur at all costs.
The MLAs further demanded stringent action against the Kuki militants under Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement for violating the ground rules and also suggested withdrawal of SoO and re open the National Highway 2 to allow free movement of essential commodities and medical supply among others.
The MLAs also proposed that the Centre issue clarification on the claims made by Kuki militant groups over an understanding reached with some central BJP leaders for supporting the party during the 2017 election.
In response, the defence minister assured that BJP spokesperson Sam-bit Patra will issue a clarification on the allegation in a press conference soon.
The MLAs also informed the ministers about the infiltration of armed militants from across the border, who have been carrying out attacks in the foothill villages of the state.
Upon enquiry by the defence minister, the MLAs also provided him several evidences about the presence of armed militants from across the border.
Both the ministers assured to uphold the territorial integrity of Manipur ind examine reports of SoO groups violating ground rules after consulting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and union home minister Amit Shah.
The delegation include speaker Th Satyabrata, Govindas Konthoujam, Dr Sapam Ranjan, H Dingo, RK Imo, Th Basanta Kumar, S Premchandra, Irengbam Nalini, Sapam Kunjakeshore, Kh Ibom-cha, Sheikh Noorul Has-san, Th Shyamkumar, Th Arunkumar, Th Shanti, Kh Joykisan, Md Ashab Uddin, Md Abdul Nasir, Kh Loken, L Rameshwor, K Robindro, M Rameshwor, Usham Deben, S Kebi MLA and Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba.
On the other-hand, another delegation of nine MLAs submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister of India on Monday in connection with the present unrest and violence in the state since May 3 .
The memorandum requested PM Narendra Modi that the demand for separate administration by any community should not be considered at any cost and integrity of the state should not to be disturbed.
The nine MLAs had previously sought an appointment for meeting the PM on June 15 and an acknowledgement was received on the same day.
But, as the PM will be leaving on June 20 for an international tour, the delegation, in the larger interest of Manipur, submitted the memorandum on Monday.
The MLAs consisted Karam Shyam Singh (Langthabal AC), Th Radheshyam Singh (Heirok), Nishikant Singh Sapam (Keishamthong), Kh Raghumani (Uripok), P Brojen (Wangjing Tentha), T Robindro (Thanga), S Ra-jen (Lamsang) ,'S Kebi Devi (Naoriya Paknanglakpa) and Dr Y Radheshyam (Hiyan-glamAC) .
Since the violence began, more than 100 innocent lives have been lost and valuable properties damaged despite the many steps taken up to curtail the violence occurring in the state.
As such, the memorandum also requested for the PM's immediate intervention on the matter.
The memorandum further highlighted the complete breakdown of law and order in the state, loss of faith in the present state government by the public and restoration of the Rule of Law so that the trust and confidence of the general public is restored.
The main suggestions placed by the nine MLAs in the memorandum included proper and rational deployment of Central Para Military Forces (CPMF) along with the state police; strict enforcement of ground rules of Kuki groups under Suspension of Operation (SoO); non-con-sideration of any demand for separate administration by any community at any cost and preservation of the integrity of the Manipur; strong action to check the infiltration and involvement of Chin-Ku-ki Defence Force (CDF) in the present violence, considering strong apprehension of the same amongst the general public, as this could be a threat to national security; and arranging a meeting of the Kuki MLAs and Meetei /Meitei MLAs to enable the MLAs to find a solution on the issues of the state by interacting and exchanging ideas.
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