IT New
Imphal, Aug 4:
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has accused the Assam Rifles (AR) of bias in the ongoing conflict, citing a memorandum submitted by 10 Kuki MLAs to the Prime Minister.
The violence that began on May 3, resulting in 15 deaths, prompted the state government to request additional paramilitary forces due to insufficient security. Various central forces, including CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Jat Regiment, and Gorkha Regiment, have been deployed. Despite this, dissatisfaction with the Assam Rifles persists, with allegations of partiality.
COCOMI has criticized the Assam Rifles, claiming their actions have worsened the conflict. The organization accuses the AR of supporting narco-terrorists involved in illegal activities such as poppy cultivation and border smuggling, suggesting that these actions highlight the AR’s lack of neutrality.
In contrast, Kuki organizations, including Kuki Inpi, ITLF, and COTU, have protested against the removal of the Assam Rifles, supporting their continued deployment. These groups and the Kuki MLAs have submitted memorandums opposing the AR’s replacement. COCOMI and the public continue to express frustration, demanding impartial and effective intervention to address the unrest and ensure fair security measures.
“Recent suspicions about the Assam Rifles siding with a particular group have emerged. As no protests were reported when other central forces, such as CRPF, BSF, Jat Regiment, and Gorkha Regiment, withdrew from the area. This situation has intensified concerns about the Assam Rifles’ role in the conflict”, the COCOMI statement said.