Shiv Sena seeks replacement of AR with neutral force
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 15 2024: The Shiv Sena State unit has urged the Central Government to replace Assam Rifles with a neutral security force in Manipur to end violence.

At Shiv Sena Bhavan at Babupara, Shiv Sena State president M Tombi said amid the ongoing conflict, there are more unrest in areas where the Assam Rifles are deployed, and as such, a memorandum has been submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the Centre to replace Assam Rifles with a neutral force.

He also stressed that the law and order is a State subject, and as such, the Security Advisor who has interfered in the matter must be sacked and removed from his post.

Tombi said thousands of Central security forces including the Assam Rifles have been deployed in Manipur since the conflict began, however, the violence has not ceased till today.

Despite the large presence of the Central security forces in the State, Kuki militants have attacked civilians and burnt hundreds of houses.

The armed Kuki militants have also attacked vehicles plying on National Highways.

The Central security forces deployed in Manipur for safety and security of the people and their properties are unable to perform their duties as per the law, asserted Tombi.

He also accused some Central security forces including the Assam Rifles of acting in connivance with Myanmar based militants and allowing the latter to install illegal bunkers in sensitive areas.

When there has been deep distrust for the Central security forces including the AR among the public, the Security Advisor and the Director General of Police have not instructed the forces to maintain neutrality, he added.

Manipur's territory and boundaries were not demarcated by the Indian Govern- ment.

The territory was passed down from "our ancestors" and it was merged with the Union of India in 1949.India Government must never make any attempt to distort or disintegrate Manipur's territorial integrity, Tombi said.

He added that the future generations should be entrusted with the whole of Manipur and not a Manipur that is fragmented.

Further emphasising that the Kuki militants who have infiltrated from Myanmar are involved in the ongoing conflict, Tombi said before major public outrage erupts, the Government of India and Government of Manipur should declare Kuki militants as terrorists.

Tombi said, "In case they want Kukiland or a separate administration, they should make the demand to the Government of India.

They shouldn't wage war against the public, attack them and burn down houses.

Does the SoO agreement say they can shoot at people, vehicles on highways and burn people's houses?" .

Law and order is a State subject, and as such, the Security Advisor who has interfered with the security matters must be sacked and removed from his post, he added.

Tombi also informed that the Shiv Sena has started dialogues with Kukis to end the conflict and restore peace.

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