Kuki-Zo MLAs of Manipur write to PM Modi, Amit Shah over replacement of Assam Rifles with CRPF

In the letter, the MLAs expressed their concerns that removing the Assam Rifles and substituting them with a force less familiar with the local terrain and community dynamics could escalate violence.

The MLAs alleged that the proposed plan to replace the AR could have been the outcome of pressure from the “communally biased” elements in the state “who leave no stone unturned to portray the latter in a bad light just for the simple reason that they (AR) stand tall to serve”.

Hailing the AR as the finest neutral force so far, the MLAs said, “It is pertinent to cite that the unbiased service of the Assam Rifles in the fringe areas has been instrumental in the prevention of further escalation of violence till date. The role played by AR so far in the maintenance of Law and Order is neutral.”

The 10 MLAs termed the move as a “sinister design”, to expedite the Meitei majoritarian ethnic cleansing campaign against the Kuki-Zo community.

To maintain the current status quo, particularly in the Buffer Zones separating the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, the undaunted and unbiased presence of the Assam Rifles is highly indispensable at this stage, stated the MLAs.

“Under the prevailing circumstances, in any eventuality of the 9th and 22nd Battalion AR to be shifted out specifically, it is vehemently appealed that they may be replaced by other Battalions of the Assam Rifles. Hence, in all fairness of things, we earnestly request your intervention for either withdrawal or rectification of the decision in the best interest of justice,” the letter read.

The Zo United also wrote a similar letter to the Prime Minister, opposing the replacement of Assam Rifles from sensitive areas in the state.

The letter by the body said that replacing the Assam Rifles at this stage would undermine the integrity of the force “and also the trust our people have in the central government. It may also disrupt the fragile ceasefire along the buffer zones and lead to an eruption of violence.”

It added, “We pray that your good office will take note of our pleas so that the right decision which benefits the entire country may be taken.”