Kuki MLAs Demand Statewide AFSPA to Recover Looted Arms and Restore Peace in Manipur

Imphal: Ten Kuki MLAs in Manipur, including seven from ruling BJP-led alliance, have urged central government to extend Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) to entire state. move, y argue, is necessary to recover over 6,000 sophisticated weapons looted since ethnic strife began on May 3, 2023.

demand follows Centre's November 14 decision to reimpose AFSPA in six police station areas, including violence-hit Jiribam. Union Home Ministry cited "continuous volatile situation" as reason for decision. Currently, most of Manipur, except for 13 police station areas, is under AFSPA.

In ir joint statement, Kuki MLAs emphasized urgency of expanding AFSPA to remaining areas, stating, " imposition of AFSPA as per orders dated 14 November, 2024 indeed needs immediate review to extend Act in remaining 13 police jurisdictions."

Call for Containing Violence

ethnic violence, primarily between Meitei and Kuki communities, erupted during a 'Tribal Solidarity March' protesting Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Over 220 lives have been lost since unrest began.

Kuki legislators argue that a full AFSPA implementation is crucial for containing violence and restoring peace in troubled region. y also urged both central and state governments to initiate political dialogue to achieve long-term stability.

Criticism of Ruling Alliance

Kuki MLAs expressed strong opposition to a recent resolution by BJP-led NDA government in Manipur. resolution called for a "mass operation" against Kuki militants allegedly responsible for deaths of six civilians in Jiribam district.

Calling resolution "divisive, one-sided, and communal," Kuki MLAs criticized its failure to dress broer violence across state. y also demanded that all civilian killings since May 3, 2023, in both valley and hill regions, be handed over to National Investigation Agency (NIA).

" resolution seeking handing over of cases relating to death of six civilians to NIA smacks of a communalised state," y stated, ding that broer impartial investigations are necessary.

situation in Manipur remains tense, with growing calls for action to dress ethnic divisions and restore normalcy.