Echoing concern over the heightened violence in Manipur, 34 members of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on Sunday adopted four resolutions, unanimously urging the Central government to take up immediate appropriate action to end the conflict at the earliest.
As per a statement, the legislators adopted four key resolutions, stating that the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreements with the armed militant groups, and the immunity it provides to these groups from a firm reaction allegedly from Central forces, is the main cause of the never-ending cycle of violence.
It demanded that the SoO truce with militants who indulge in killing of innocent civilians and violation of ground rules must be abrogated immediately. The SoO agreement with other militant groups who also indulge in anti-state activities should not be extended beyond its expiry date of February 29, 2024 it maintained.
It also demanded complete disarmament of all illegal arms in the possession of miscreants and unauthorised persons in the entire State at the earliest by the Central and State forces.
It asserted that the armed attacks (using sophisticated weaponry such as Rocket Propelled Grenade launchers) on Indian soil, Indian citizens and State security forces allegedly by Myanmar-based armed militants must be stopped at all costs. It will be to the detriment of the prestige of the Republic of India if this cannot be achieved in short order, it stated.
It also noted that the Assam Rifles are not responsive and allegedly remain mute spectators when unarmed civilians (particularly farmers) are being indiscriminately fired upon frequently in many of the sensitive areas. The claim that their deployment Is providing security to the communities residing in these areas has been questioned, it mentioned.
It further went on to say that these forces and their leadership (chain of command) need to give strict Instructions and be held accountable and replaced with forces that have the ability to act by returning suppressive fire when they observe that unarmed civilians are being fired upon, to enable civilians to get to cover and safety.
It claimed that such a reaction, which is wholly appropriate to safeguard the lives of civilians under fire, has been non-existent which is the reason for the lack of public’s faith and trust in the forces presently deployed at places such as Moreh, Bishnupur, Imphal West, Kakching etc.
It urged the Central Government to take up appropriate positive action as per the demands made at the earliest, failing which the legislators in consultation with the public will take appropriate actions in consultation with the public.
The 34 legislators include Manipur Speaker; Th Satyabrata; Power Minister, Th Biswajit Singh; MAHUD Minister Y Khemchand Singh; Works Minister K Govindas Singh; Relief and Disaster Management Minister Awangbow Newmai; Education Minister, Th Basanta Kumar Singh; Health Minister, Dr S Ranjan Singh; Social Welfare Minister H Dingo Singh; CAF and PD Minister L Susindro Meitei; Kakching MLA, M Rameshwar Singh; Hiyanglam MLA Y Radheshyam; Wangkhei MLA Th Arunkumar; Andro MLA Th Shyamkumar; Thanga MLA T Robindro Singh; Kumbi MLA S Premchandra Singh; Mayang Imphal MLA Kongkham Robindro Singh; Lilong MLA Abdul Nasir; Wangoi MLA Kh Loken Singh; Naoriya Pakhanglakpa MLA S Kebi; Oinam MLA I Nalini Devi; Lamlai MLA Kh Ibomcha; Wabagai MLA Usham Deben Singh; Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah; Kshetrigao MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan; Moirang MLA, Th Shanti Singh; Sagolband MLA RK Imo Singh; Thangmeiband MLA Kh Joykisan Singh; Patsoi MLA S Kunjakeshore Singh; Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing; Nungba MLA D Gangmei; Mao MLA L Dikho; Keirao MLA L Rameshwor Meetei; Chandel MLA SS Olish and Tamenglong MLA Janghemlung Panmei, it added.
