Extend AFSPA to entire Manipur: Kuki MLAs
Kuki MLAs in Manipur have demanded the extension of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) across the entire state. The demand came after the Centre reimposed AFSPA in six police station areas, including Jiribam, on November 14. The Union Home Ministry cited a "continuous volatile situation" due to ethnic strife as the reason for the decision.
Kuki MLAs demand AFSPA extension for arms recovery
The Kuki legislators contend that extending AFSPA is essential to retrieve more than 6,000 sophisticated weapons looted by Meiteis since May 3, 2023. Ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kukis erupted on the date after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' protesting the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The conflict has since claimed over 220 lives.
Kuki MLAs criticize '1-sided' resolution, seek NIA probe
The Kuki MLAs, including Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (United) members, have called on both central and state governments to start political dialogue to bring peace. They condemned a Manipur ruling BJP-led NDA resolution calling for a "mass operation" against Kuki militants accused of killing six civilians in Jiribam. The Kuki legislators termed the resolution "divisive, one-sided and communal." They also recommended that all civilian killings since May 3, 2023, be probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Additional troops likely to be deployed in Manipur
In light of the continuing violence, more troops are likely to be deployed in Manipur after a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah this week. A senior government official said companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will be evenly deployed across hilly and valley areas with an emphasis on maintaining law and order. DG CRPF Anish Dayal was recently assigned to evaluate the situation in Manipur and will submit his report to the Home Ministry.
