IMPHAL:
In the latest development in Manipur, 37 MLAs from the majority Meitei community, including Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and two Parliament members, reportedly assured the radical Meitei organisation ‘Arambai Tenggol’ to address their demands. These demands involve ending the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with Kuki militant groups.
The leaders of ‘Arambai Tenggol’ met government officials at Kangla Fort in Imphal City amid a significant deployment of security forces. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, although not physically present, endorsed the resolution. The leaders committed to addressing the demands within 15 days, including the annulment of the SoO, implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Assam Rifles replacement, and removal of illegal Kuki immigrants from the Scheduled Tribes list.
‘Arambai Tenggol’ warned of a mass movement to safeguard Manipur’s integrity if the central government fails to meet their demands. Opposition Congress MLAs, including former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, also participated in the meeting. The ‘Arambai Tenggol’ called the meeting following increased militant attacks that resulted in casualties.
A Central team, led by Advisor to the Home Ministry A.K. Mishra, continued discussions with various stakeholders in Manipur. The team is expected to visit tribal areas during their stay. Earlier, 34 BJP MLAs, along with seven Naga legislators, urged the central government to annul the SoO with Kuki militant groups, threatening “appropriate action” if their resolution is not addressed positively.
Additionally, a coalition of parties led by Congress urged the Chief Minister to arrange an all-party meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur.