MP bats for impartial disarmament, action on Leitanpokpi incident
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 16 2025: Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam bn Monday urged Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to ensure that the disarmament process is carried out equally in both the hills and valley, stating that selective disarmament would not yield any positive result in the government's efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis in the state.

Dr Bimol, accompanied by Khundrakpam MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar, met the Governor following their visit to Leitanpokpi to assess the ground situation after flare-up of tension on Sunday between Meetei farmers and Kuki residents from a nearby village.

Interacting with the media after the meeting, Dr Bimol said that the incident occurred when Meetei farmers went to till their fields in Leitanpokpi and were opposed by Kuki villagers, resulting in a tense situation involving stone pelting and slingshots.

While the Meetei villagers raised concerns with the central security forces about the presence of armed Kuki individuals in the nearby hills, the forces reportedly denied their presence.

However, video footage showing armed Kuki persons roaming the area surfaced on social media later, further fuelling public resentment.

The MP said that during their visit to the area, he and MLA Lokeshwar interacted with senior officers of the central security forces stationed there and closely assessed the ground situation.

Following their field visit, they proceeded to Raj Bhavan to apprise the Governor of the developments and conveyed the villagers' growing dissatisfaction with the role of central forces.

Dr Bimol told the Governor that such incidents must be taken seriously and that all farmers must be allowed to resume agricultural activities on their ancestral lands without obstruction.

He questioned the inaction of the authorities in allowing armed Kuki individuals to remain in the area and submitted the video evidence to the Governor.

He emphasised that allowing such provocations, particularly use slingshots and slurs at Meetei farmers, would derail the peace process.

He reiterated that any partiality in disarmament operations would only worsen the existing distrust among the public.

"Selective targeting on the valley while letting a free hand in the hills will not bring any positive result," he said, urging the Governor to take immediate steps to recover arms from the hills as well.

Dr Bimol further mentioned that he shared some confidential information with the Governor that he preferred not to disclose publicly.

The MP also informed of urging the Governor to act in a manner that would not deepen the public's mistrust on security forces.

According to the MP, the Governor assured them that necessary steps would be taken.

MLA Lokeshwar, meanwhile, said that he urged the Governor to release official land documents to clarify ownership of the farmland in question and ensure that the rightful owners are able to use their land without disruption.

He also demanded the arrest of the armed individuals seen in the video footage from Sunday's incident.

The legislator warned that if isolated flare-ups like the one in Leitanpokpi are not brought under control, they could escalate into larger conflicts.

He questioned and expressed concern over the continued presence of armed elements despite the deployment of BSF personnel at the foothills and Assam Rifles at higher ground.

He also pointed out that no visible, intensive arms recovery operations have been conducted in the hills so far.

In response, the Governor reportedly told Lokeshwar to remain patient and assured that operations would take place in due course.

The Governor added that he would not take any steps that could erode the trust of the people, Lokeshwar said.

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