Kuki students protest in national capital for re-deployment of Assam Rifles in Manipur

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 10, 2024

As many as 500 activists of Kuki Students’ Organisation Delhi & NCR staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday demanding the re-deployment of Assam Rifles in the hill districts of Manipur.

The Central government has decided to withdraw the 9th and 22nd battalions, Assam Rifles (ar) by replacing them with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The KSO demanded that the Assam Rifles continue to guard the sensitive areas of violence-torn Manipur and are not replaced by the CRPF.

The student body also submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through Delhi Police in which they said the Central government must intervene so that atrocities against the Kuki-Zo is not repeated at any cost.

“We strongly oppose the Central government’s decision to withdraw the Assam Rifles from the buffer zones in Manipur.  The Assam Rifles have played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the region, especially in areas where the state police have failed to act impartially. The buffer zones, manned by the Assam Rifles, have been a lifeline for the Kuki-Zo people, providing much-needed protection from the violent attacks perpetrated by radical elements within the Meitei community,” the memorandum stated.

“The ongoing campaign of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s to remove the Assam Rifles manning the buffer zones in Kangvai (9th ARs) and Kangpokpi (22nd Ars) is an alarm that cannot be taken for granted. Heeding to this evil scheme would mean unleashing the second wave of tragedy. The withdrawal of the Assam Rifles would leave our people defenceless, exposed to the full brunt of state-sponsored violence orchestrated by the radical elements— the Manipur Police Commandos, Arambai Tenggol, Meitei Leepun, Valley-Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs) and Vally-Based Civil Societies (VBCSOs),” the memorandum also said.

“There are legitimate concerns about the decision to undertake a transfer at such a crucial juncture. Even though we have faith in the CRPF’s operational capability, there have been concerns about impartiality regarding the current leadership of the CRPF, which is led by Manipur DIG by the name Premjit. The fact that the said DIG allegedly assisted in the arrest of four Kuki community members in Jiribam highlights the necessity of security leadership that is impartial and neutral,” the memorandum further stated.

The student body alleged that the intention to remove the Assam Rifles manning the buffer zones dominated by the Kuki-Zo community is a critical concern that has raised many eyebrows. The Central government may use several additional battalions stationed in the non-Kuki-Zo areas if there is a shortage of forces in J&K.

“The situation in Manipur has reached a critical juncture. The Kuki-Zo tribal communities are facing an existential threat under the current state administration, which has failed to protect our rights, our lives, and our dignity. The recent statements by Chief Minister Biren Singh have only confirmed our worst fears—that the state is no longer a safe place for our people,” it said.

“We, therefore, earnestly appeal to you, Prime Minister, to intervene in this matter and take immediate steps to establish a Separate Administration for the Kuki-Zo tribal communities in Manipur. This is not just a demand for political autonomy but a plea for our very survival,” it also said.

“We also urge you to reconsider the decision to withdraw the Assam Rifles from the Buffer Zones, as their presence is crucial to maintaining peace and protecting our communities. They are the sentinels of the hill people, and are best suited to stabilize any escalation of violence that may emanate from either side,” it added.