Poirei Apunba Leimaron Meira Paibi call for Assam Rifles withdrawl

Imphal: The Poirei Apunba Leimaron Meira Paibi (PALEM) has categorically stated that there will be peace in Manipur only when Assam Rifles is removed from the State.

Speaking to the media at its office at Nongda Makha Leikai today, PALEM president Mongjam Bilolata said that there are many indications of the Assam Rifles having a hand in instigating the ethnic conflict while accusing the Assam Rifles of taking the side of Kukis amid the conflict and abetting the entry of illegal immigrants into Kamjong district.

Claiming that security forces have been carrying out combing operations mostly in valley districts, she asked if the security forces are not aware of the hostility of the Kuki militants.

Further claiming that most of the attack on Meetei villages took place when there were Central forces around, she added that even children know who is backing the Kuki militants.

There won’t be peace in Manipur as long as Assam Rifles is not removed from the State, she said.

Appealing to the Government to replace AR with another force which will treat every community equally, Bilolata added there is no guarantee that the crisis in Manipur won’t spill over to other States.

She further said that the people have lost all faith in the AR and as such the paramilitary force should no longer be entrusted to guard the border areas.