A radical Meitei group, Arambai Tenggol has stated that it will surrender weapons that were obtained illegally if certain conditions are to be met as few days after Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla called on all communities in Manipur to surrender looted and illegally kept arms within seven days. This move is part of the government’s efforts to end the ongoing ethnic violence that has gripped the state since May 2023.
Arambai Tenggol’s public relations officer, Robin Mangang Khwairakpam, when spoken to regarding the same, confirmed that the group met the Governor on Tuesday. Khwairakpam added that during the meeting, Bhalla asked the group to lay down arms, which the delegation was willing to do but only on certain conditions. Nevertheless, the specific demands or the time for the surrender could not be specified since the information regarding the same was to be disclosed at a later date.
The memorandum of Arambai Tenggol had few major demands as follows:
- Fencing of the border with India and Myanmar to avoid infiltration of illegal immigrants.
- The implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with 1951 as the cut-off year.
- Deportation of illegal immigrants.
- The agreement that suspended operations against Kuki militant groups should be cancelled.
- No arrests or legal proceedings against volunteers and armed civilians, including members of Arambai Tenggol, should be made.
- ST (Scheduled Tribe) status to the Meitei community should be granted.
The delegation was told by Governor Bhalla that peace would be restored in Manipur and all national highways would be reopened after the completion of the surrender process. The group, Arambai Tenggol has been accused of violent attacks on Kuki tribals, including killings and destruction of homes.
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