Meitei militia outfit lauds Centre’s role in restoring peace in Manipur-OxBig News Network

A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah called for fencing of Manipur’s international border from both sides and also directed dismantling of drug network, Meitei militia outfit Arambai Tenggol appreciated the Centre’s efforts to restore peace in the strife-torn state.

The militia, which has been blamed for attacking the tribal Kuki community and destroying their homes ever since ethnic violence had erupted in Manipur in May 2023, in a statement on Sunday expressed, “heartfelt applause” to Shah for his “unwavering commitment to fostering peace and stability in Manipur,” noting that “his leadership has been pivotal during these challenging times”.

42 more arms surrendered

Imphal: Forty-two more firearms and cartridges have been surrendered by the public in five districts of ethnic strife-torn Manipur, the police said on Sunday. The firearms were surrendered in Imphal West and East, Churachandpur, Bishnupur and Tamenglong districts. Security forces also dismantled two illegal bunkers at Mark Hill under Thingsat hill range in Kangpokpi district. Another three illegal bunkers were dismantled at Wakan hill range in the adjoining area in Kangpokpi and Imphal East districts. PTI

The statement also thanked Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, whose “prompt actions and assurances during the recent meeting with the Arambai Tenggol have instilled a renewed sense of hope among the citizens”.

Security measures along Manipur’s border with Myanmar were also commended, with the group noting the “swift progress in completing the fencing work” which they described as “crucial in safeguarding our territory and enhancing security.”

The statement reinforced Arambai Tenggol’s support for anti-drug trafficking initiatives, stating they “wholeheartedly support the Governor’s strong stance against drug trafficking and his vision to make Manipur a drug-free state”.

The Arambai Tenggol is fully committed to supporting all initiatives that promote normalcy in Manipur. We believe that through collaborative efforts, we can work towards a peaceful and developed Manipur that reflects the aspirations of all its residents,” the militia said in the statement.

A delegation of the Arambai Tenggol had last week met Bhalla and put forward certain conditions before the administration prior to surrendering arms, after the Governor had given a call to all groups to surrender all illegally acquired arms.

The Governor’s appeal however has evoked a lukewarm response with only a few hundred arms having been surrendered till March 2, even though six lakh pieces of ammunition and 6,000 arms had been looted by militants after ethnic violence broke out in Manipur.