Separate administration is the only solution, Kuki MLAs write to PM

Imphal: Ten Kuki-Zo MLAs from Manipur, including seven from the BJP, on Monday reiterated their demand for a separate administration from Manipur as per the provisions of the Constitution of India.
“We have reiterated our demand for a separate administration from Manipur under a specific provision of the Constitution,” BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip told this correspondent over phone from New Delhi.
The 10 MLAs are demanding a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from May 3, 2023 to discuss the current situation in the northeastern state.

“But we have been denied the appointment by the PMO,” Haokip, who is still camping in the national capital, said.

“We sent an email today again narrating the ongoing conflict situation in Manipur which has turned from bad to worse,” Haokip also said.

In the memorandum, the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs sought the intervention of the Prime Minister into the “one-sided resolution adopted by the legislators of 12 Manipur Legislative Assembly on January 21 on abrogation of Suspension of Operation (SoO) with Kuki extremist groups.

The memorandum also demanded the immediate withdrawal of Manipur Police commando from Moreh bordering Myanmar. It further demanded the centre for re-imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur Valley.

“The situation in Manipur has turned from bad to worse as it is evident from the bizarre incident at Imphal-Kangla Fort on January 24 wherein 37 Meitei MLAs and ministers and two MPs were compelled to take oath of allegiance for the so-called Meitei Militia-Arambai Tenggol in contravention to the oath taken under the Constitution of India as elected representatives,” the memorandum stated.

“On that day, three Meitei MLAs were publicly humiliated and physically assaulted inside Kangla Fort by Arambai Tenggol amidst heavy security deployment inside, outside and at all gates of the complex.

However, the chief minister has maintained eloquent silence in the public harassment of his law-maker colleagues. One can only imagine the fate of minority tribals, Muslims Nepalis, Marwaris, Biharis and others under such harrowing circumstances a parallel government is run by the Arambal Tenggols,” the memorandum also said.

“Since May 3, 2023, these Arambai Tenggols have been waging war against the people of Kuki-Zo. The recent actions of the Arambai Tenggols on communal lines within the people of Manipur have significantly increased.
Militias from government arsenals. roaming the streets openly with looted weapons.In the absence of AFSPA, the central security force has remained a silent spectator.

“This, lawlessness has become the new law in the capital Imphal. The Taliban-like behavior of Arambai Tenggols shows the complete breakdown of the Indian constitutional machinery in the Manipur Valley. The state government is forced to do the bidding of Arambai Tenggols.”

Such instances of militia occupying the streets despite the presence of a democratically elected people’s government are unprecedented in independent India. Therefore, the need for an alternative political solution is urgently needed at this critical juncture.

They alleged that they submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on January 24 requesting his immediate intervention on the issues. But he is yet to respond to our representation, they said.

The MLAs who signed the joined statement are: Ngursanglur Senate (BJP), Letpao Haokip (BJP), LM Khaute (BJP), Letzamang Haokip (BJP), Paolienlal Haokip (BJP), Nemcha Kipgen (BJP), Vungzagin Valte (BJP), Kimneo Haokip Hangshing (Kuki People’s Alliance Chinlunthang (KPA) and Haokholet Kipgen (Independent).