In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, hundreds of Kuki-Zo women from across the Twilang region braving the rain staged a massive protest today against the removal of the 22 Assam Rifles (AR) post at Banglabung Gelnal village.
The protest, organized under the aegis of the Kuki Inpi Twilang Lhang, highlighted the community’s deep concerns over the withdrawal of the security presence in the area. Women from various villages united to voice their fears about the potential security risks posed by the removal of the Assam Rifles post.
Throughout the protest, participants chanted slogans demanding the reinstatement of the post. The protestors later marched towards the 22 AR Banglabung Post and submitted a memorandum to the Post Commander to be handed over to the Commanding Officer, emphasizing the community’s apprehensions and called on the authorities to reconsider the decision, stressing the importance of maintaining security and stability in the region.
In the representation, the Kuki Inpi Twilang Lhang representing the Kuki-Zo from the region, urged the continued presence of the Assam Rifles in the hills of Manipur, highlighting the crucial role the Assam Rifles have played since the outbreak of communal violence in the state, facilitating the safe evacuation of over 60,000 Kuki-Zo civilians from the Imphal valley, as well as tens of thousands of Meitei civilians from Kuki-Zo-dominated areas.
The community stressed that the impartiality demonstrated by the Assam Rifles has been vital in maintaining peace and stability, ensuring that their actions remain non-partisan and non-communal. Concerns have been raised regarding recent demands by Meitei civil society organizations, led by COCOMI, for the removal of the Assam Rifles and their replacement by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The memorandum argues that acceding to such demands would be an irresponsible and illogical move, potentially leading to unnecessary tension and unwanted repercussions. The Kuki-Zo community expressed fear that if the Assam Rifles were to be replaced, it would erode trust in the state and central government and could reignite violence in the region.
The memorandum concluded with an earnest plea for the retention of the Assam Rifles in all Kuki-Zo areas, assuring full cooperation and support to ensure continued peace and security in the region.
KSO Twilang Lhang President, Enock Kipgen also spoke on the sideline of the event.
