In a fervent appeal, ten Kuki-Zo MLAs from Manipur have reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to prevent the replacement of the Assam Rifles with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the volatile regions of the state.
The legislators expressed their concerns through a letter, highlighting the critical role played by the Assam Rifles in maintaining stability amidst the ongoing ethnic strife.
The MLAs warned that the replacement of the Assam Rifles with a new force lacking familiarity with the local terrain and populace could potentially escalate the violence.
This plea comes in the wake of reports suggesting that two battalions of the Assam Rifles, stationed in Kangvai and Kangpokpi, are set to be replaced by CRPF units.
The Kuki-Zo representatives described the Assam Rifles as a "neutral force" and characterized the proposed replacement as a "sinister design."
They stressed on the unbiased service rendered by the Assam Rifles, particularly in fringe areas, which has been instrumental in preventing further violence.
"We have learned about the plan to withdraw the 9th and 22nd Battalions of the Assam Rifles from their current sensitive deployment in Kangvai and Kangpokpi.
This decision to replace these battalions with the CRPF at such a critical juncture is nothing but a sinister design," the MLAs stated in their memorandum.
The call for Prime Minister Modi's intervention followed media reports indicating that a significant number of Assam Rifles troops would be redeployed from Manipur to Jammu.
The MLAs underscored the Assam Rifles' unparalleled knowledge of the local culture and geopolitical sensitivities, which they believe is crucial for maintaining peace in the region.
"The Assam Rifles has the most experience among central armed police forces in Manipur, with an unparalleled understanding of the local populace, including both Kuki-Zo tribals and Meiteis.
Their deep knowledge of the culture and geopolitical sensitivities of the region has been vital in fostering an environment of peace," the letter elaborated.
Given the current circumstances, the MLAs urged that if the 9th and 22nd Battalions of the Assam Rifles must be moved, they should be replaced by other battalions of the Assam Rifles rather than the CRPF.
Since May last year, ethnic violence between the Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups has claimed over 200 lives and rendered thousands homeless.
The Assam Rifles' presence, according to the MLAs, has been a stabilising factor in this turbulent period, making their continued deployment in the region imperative.
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