Manipur Legislators Appeal to Amit Shah for Restoring Peace and Normalcy in the State Amidst Recent Violence

Imphal: In a unanimous resolution, a group comprising 31 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Manipur has come together to urge Union Home Minister Amit Shah for decisive actions that will reinstate peace and normalcy in the state. The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Manipur released an official statement on Wednesday outlining the MLAs’ collective appeal.

The MLAs, in their proposal to the Union Home Minister, suggested the replacement of the 9th Assam Rifles, the 22nd Assam Rifles, and the 37th Assam Rifles with other central security forces that are better aligned with fostering unity within the state. They expressed concerns about the roles played by specific units of the Assam Rifles, asserting that these units currently pose a threat to the cause of state unity, as stated in the official statement.

Additionally, the representation to Amit Shah emphasized the necessity for a thorough investigation into the public display of firearms and ammunition during the Peace March held on July 5, 2023, in Churachandpur. The MLAs raised significant questions regarding the source and continuous availability of these arms, deeming them crucial factors contributing to the ongoing violence. They stressed the need to address this issue promptly and prevent the further replenishment of illegal weapons.

The MLAs also called for stronger and more effective actions to be taken against armed insurgent groups, including cross-border factions, that are operating within Manipur. Their objective is to restore peace and normalcy in the state. The statement highlighted the MLAs’ commitment to taking decisive measures against these armed groups, which have violated established rules of engagement.

Furthermore, the MLAs stressed the importance of halting violence in peripheral areas and emphasized the need for central security forces to adopt a proactive approach in achieving lasting peace in the region. The statement acknowledged the elusive nature of peace over the past two months and proposed that extensive consultations with all stakeholders be conducted to reach a peaceful resolution once violence and aggression cease.