Karnataka Meitei Association held mass protest, seek AR removal

Imphal: The Meiteis in Bangalore held a mass protest today under the aegis of the Karnataka Meitei Association (KMA), urging both the State and Central Governments to take decisive action to end the 15-month-long violence in Manipur and restore the much-needed normalcy.

The protesters demanded withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Manipur.

“We demand the immediate withdrawal of Assam Rifles for their misconduct and bias towards Kuki militants since May 3, 2023″, the protesters.

They sought replacement of AR with other Central security forces such as BSF and CRPF.

The protest urged both the Central Government and the State Government to facilitate safe return of displaced Meiteis to their original homes.

Removal of artificial divisions (buffer zones) within Manipur that create unnecessary separation was another demand raised at the protest demonstration.

The protest demonstration demanded proper deployment of security forces, excluding Assam Rifles, for border protection and implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur.

“Bestow ST status to Meiteis to provide Constitutional protection for our land against foreign encroachment”, the protesters demanded.

The ethnic unrest that began on the unfortunate day of May 3, 2023 continues to engulf the entire State.

Many lives have been lost, over 5,000 houses have been burned down, and over 60,000 people are languishing in relief camps with no hope for the future.

Meanwhile, the burning of Meitei houses and properties by Kuki militant groups continues in the adjoining areas between the two communities, the KMA said in a press release.

The people of Manipur hold no ill will toward the old Kukis who have lived harmoniously with various communities in Manipur for many years.

However, the Kuki refugees who have infiltrated into Manipur over the past few decades have significantly disrupted peaceful coexistence.

The root cause of the Manipur violence is illegal immigration and the nefarious activities of these individuals, including poppy plantations for illicit drug trafficking, and narco-terrorism, the KMA asserted.

The Karnataka Meitei Association (KMA) also asked the Government of India to cease taking sides of the Kuki militants.

“To end this vicious cycle of violence, we urge the Government of India to withdraw any form of support or favouritism toward Kuki militants and to take stringent actions against those who instigate violence and unrest in the State”, it added.