Kuki MLAs demand extension of AFSPA to Manipur for recovery of looted weapons

10 Kuki MLAs of Anipur Assembly, including seven from the state’s ruling BJP-led alliance, have demanded that AFSPA be extended to the entire state for the return of looted weapons.

On November 14, the Center re-implemented the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in six police stations of Manipur, including violence-hit Jiribam, with the Union Home Ministry saying the decision was taken keeping in mind the “persistent volatile situation” there due to… for ethnic strife.

In a joint statement, the 10 Cook MLAs said: “The introduction of AFSPA as per the orders dated 14 November 2024 does require immediate review to extend the law to the remaining 13 police jurisdictions.”

They said AFSPA should be imposed throughout the state to facilitate the recovery of “more than 6,000 sophisticated weapons” looted by Meiteis since May 3 last year as it is a long overdue measure needed to curb violence.

Ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kukis began on May 3, 2023, after a Tribal Solidarity March was organized in the hilly areas of the state to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Since then, more than 220 people have died as a result of the violence.

The central and state governments should take all necessary steps to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur by initiating political dialogue to bring lasting peace to the troubled region, according to a statement by Kuki legislators, including five members of the BJP and two members of the JD(U). .

The 10 tribal MPs also criticized a resolution passed by the MLA of the ruling BJP-led NDA in Manipur calling for a “massive operation” against Kuki militants responsible for the killing of three women and three children in Jiribam district within seven days.

Kooka lawmakers said the resolution was “divisive, one-sided and communal.”

They also said the resolution demanding the transfer of the cases of the deaths of six civilians to the NIA “smacks of a communalized state.”

“We recommend that all civilian killings occurring since May 3, 2023, both in the valley and in the hills, be handed over to the NIA,” they added.