Chief Minister assures replacement of AR
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 10 2023:
In view of the recent events and condemning the extreme actions by Assam Rifles, Meira Paibi members on Sunday met Chief Minister N Biren Singh and demanded complete removal of Assam Rifles from Manipur.
In response, the CM gave assurances of utilising another force instead of Assam Rifles in the state.
Around 11am Sunday, thousands of womenfolk started gathering at Singjamei and moved towards the CM's Bungalow to meet the CM and put forth their demand for removal of AR from Manipur.
As the womenfolk reached Moirangkhom Krishnapremi Oil Pump, teams of RAF and Manipur Police present at the location halted the crowd.
After a brief struggle, 30 Meira Paibi leaders were selected and allowed to the meet the chief minister.
Later, speaking to the media in front of the Bungalow's main gate after meeting the CM, Bamon Leikai Apunba Meira Paibi member Maibam ongbi Lingjenthoibi alleged that Assam Rifles taking advantage of the on-going conflict since May 3 has been using excessive force including firing rubber bullets, tear gas shells and live rounds on civilians and mothers of the state during democratic protests, the most recent incident being at Pallel wherein two people were shot dead.
Thus, the Meira Paibi members urged the CM to remove Assam Rifles from Manipur by September 30, to which the CM assured of utilising another force instead of Assam Rifles within the on going month.
If the ill-famed force is not removed or replaced by September 30, further course of action will be discussed and adopted, she conveyed.
On Saturday, the mothers/Meira Paibi members paid a visit to the residences of BJP Manipur State president A Sharda and Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker Thokchom Satyabrata to demand removal of Assam Rifles from the state.
The mothers, however, were unable to meet the Speaker as he was not at home and as such, met with the speaker's wife instead.
During the meeting with BJP president Sharda, the latter responded that she does not have the power to remove the Assam Rifles and as such, suggested the mothers to go to the CM, while also taking an appointment for meeting the CM on Sunday.