In a determined move against the proposed withdrawal of Assam Rifles from their region, Kuki-Zo women, under the Committee on Tribal Unity Sadar Hills, have initiated a robust protest in front of the Assam Rifles Post in Kangpokpi District. The protest, which began on Tuesday evening, reflects the community’s deep-seated concerns about security and stability in the area.
On August 2 and 3, the Kuki-Zo people staged a massive, peaceful demonstration at Gamgiphai, urging the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister to reconsider the decision to withdraw Assam Rifles from Sadar Hills. The community argued that the presence of Assam Rifles is crucial for maintaining peace and security in the region, given the history of ethnic tensions.
The Kuki-Zo community has warned that they will escalate their protests if the government proceeds with the removal of Assam Rifles. In response to these concerns, women from the Kuki-Zo community have taken the lead in the ongoing protests, positioning themselves at the 22 Assam Rifles Post in Kangpokpi to monitor the movement of the paramilitary forces closely.
Protests are also planned in Saikul, Leimakhong, and Motbung, where Kuki-Zo women are preparing to launch similar demonstrations. The vigilant protests are aimed at preventing the withdrawal of Assam Rifles and ensuring that no other forces replace them.
The situation highlights the critical role of Assam Rifles in maintaining peace in the region and the significant impact of their removal on the local communities urging the government to listen to their concerns and reconsider the decision, emphasizing the need for a strategic and inclusive approach to security in Manipur.
The Kuki-Zo women protestors at the vigilant protest in front of 22 Assam Rifles Kangpokpi also shouted a slogan, “Assam Rifles - Friends of the Hills People”, “Don’t Remove Assam Rifles”, etc.
Ng. Lun Kipgen, spokesperson CoTU, highlighted that Kuki-Zo women across Sadar Hills are initiating vigilant protests at all Assam Rifles posts in the district aiming to prevent the transfer of Assam Rifles and block any attempts to replace them with other central forces.
In a heartfelt appeal, Kipgen addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “The Kuki-Zo community is a very patient and peace-loving community. Dear Modiji, please don’t make us resort to other non-democratic forms of protests.”
Kipgen appeal’s underscores the community’s commitment to peaceful demonstrations while warning against potential escalation if their concerns are not addressed.
He further urged both the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reconsider the decision to withdraw Assam Rifles, labeling it as “illogical, ill-timed, and unjust” at this critical juncture emphasizing the essential role of Assam Rifles in maintaining peace and security in the region.
The situation remains tense as the community awaits a response from central authorities.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi South West Sadar Hills has strongly opposed the government’s decision to remove the 32 Assam Rifles from Kangchup and replace them with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The organization has labeled the decision as “irrational” and criticized it as a move with “malicious intent” towards the Kuki-Zo community.
According to the Kuki Inpi, this action appears to be an attempt to appease the majority Meitei community and facilitate ethnic cleansing.
The presence of the 32 AR in Kangchup has been crucial in maintaining peace and preventing further violence in the region, the apex body stated praising the Assam Rifles for their neutral role in the area, suggesting that their continued presence is vital for peace.
“The sudden decision to replace Assam Rifles with CRPF, following pressure from the communal state government, is unacceptable to the Kuki-Zo community, especially at this critical juncture,” the Kuki Inpi South West Sadar Hills said in a statement.
The organization has demanded the reinstatement of the 32AR if the government is committed to restoring peace and preventing further violence. Should the 32AR be moved, the Kuki Inpi has strongly urged the government to replace them with another battalion of the Assam Rifles rather than the CRPF.
