Manipur BJP MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to withdraw the approximately 60,000 central forces currently stationed in the state, advocating for a transition to state security forces to restore peace amid ongoing ethnic strife.
In a letter addressed to Shah, Singh, who is also the son-in-law of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, argued that the central forces have failed to bring about the desired peace.
He wrote, “The presence of around 60,000 central forces in Manipur is not yielding peace, thus it’s better to remove such forces which are mostly present as mute spectators.”
Singh's appeal comes after the recent action to withdraw certain units of the Assam Rifles due to their lack of cooperation with the state government and the public.
He expressed approval of this decision but insisted that removing these forces entirely might be more effective in quelling violence.
“We are pleased with the action to remove certain units of Assam Rifles who were not cooperating with the state government and the public,” Singh noted. “But if the presence of these and other central forces cannot halt violence, it is better to remove them and allow the state forces to take charge and bring peace.”
Singh proposed that the central government transfer the Unified Command authority to the state government, led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh. He critiqued the existing arrangement as ineffective, stressing the need for the state government to have full control over operations to restore order.
“The central government has to hand over the Unified Command to the state government headed by Chief Minister and allow it to act as per the procedures prescribed by law to bring peace and normalcy in the state,” Singh added.
Following the outbreak of violence in Manipur last year, the Ministry of Home Affairs appointed former CRPF Director General Kuldiep Singh as a security advisor to the state government.
The Unified Command, responsible for coordinating operational requirements and reporting from various agencies, currently oversees security operations in consultation with the Manipur government.
Singh also called for stricter measures against militant and insurgent groups that have breached the Suspension of Operations (SOO) agreement. He urged Shah to cancel the agreements with these groups, which he believes are exacerbating the conflict.
Additionally, Singh requested an investigation into the funding and supply of arms and ammunition, which he claims are fueling the violence. He advocated for “a political dialogue and engagement between all stakeholders” to achieve a lasting resolution.
In a recent interview, Chief Minister N Biren Singh promised to restore peace in the state within six months with the Centre’s assistance. He dismissed calls for his resignation, asserting he has neither committed a crime nor been involved in a scandal.
Singh revealed that he has appointed an emissary to negotiate with Kuki-zo and Meitei leaders. The clashes between the Kuki-zo and Meitei ethnic groups since May 2023 have resulted in 226 deaths, according to official figures.
Asked about the timeline for restoring peace, Singh indicated that dialogue combined with the central government’s involvement will be crucial.
He maintained that both political and security measures will be critical in achieving a permanent resolution.
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