New Delhi - On August 9, a collective of 40 MLAs from Manipur forwarded a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, advocating for a comprehensive disarmament strategy within the state.
The MLAs emphasized that a mere deployment of forces is insufficient to establish immediate security. They stressed that complete disarmament stands as the critical measure for attaining the overarching objective of reinstating tranquility in the region.
"While it's essential to quell violence in the outskirts, the crux of the matter lies in complete disarmament. The entire state necessitates the thorough disarmament of insurgent groups, illicit armed foreign entities, and weaponry acquired through unlawful means from state agencies," the memorandum stated.
They recommended that the central security forces should adopt a more proactive role to ensure enduring peace in the area. The MLAs highlighted instances of farmers being fired upon by militants while working in their fields. These militants wield advanced military-grade weapons such as assault rifles, sniper rifles, and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs). In many occurrences, central security forces were present but did not respond adequately or at all, leading to waning public trust and mounting resentment.
Regarding force deployment, the Assam Rifles (9, 22, and 37) proposed relocating them from their current posts and replacing them with dependable central forces alongside state security personnel to effectively sanitize and neutralize threats to peace, security, and stability in the region. The MLAs called for the early withdrawal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with violators of the ground rules, aiming to eliminate any disadvantages for central forces concerning engagement with these threats.
On the topic of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the MLAs suggested addressing it politically to tackle the ongoing conflict. They proposed that implementing the NRC in Manipur could be a reassuring step for the indigenous population. Referring to the demand for a separate administration put forth by the ITLF/Kukis, the MLAs were unequivocal in their stance. "The notion of a 'separate administration' sought by the ITLF/Kukis is utterly untenable under any circumstance," they stressed.
In their recommendations, the MLAs underscored the importance of reinforcing the Autonomous District Council (ADC) to instill confidence among all communities. They also called for the resumption of regular elections, which had been suspended, for the Hill Area Committee (HAC) and the six existing Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).