The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) vehemently reacted to the resolution adopted by the 34 Manipur MLAs, suggesting that instead of blaming the Kuki-Zo community for violence, the government should disarm Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepuns. ITLF Secretary Muan Tombing argues that these groups looted a significant cache of weapons from the state government’s armory and are responsible for ongoing conflicts. Tombing challenges the MLAs’ demand for disarmament, urging them to first address the root causes of violence orchestrated by these armed groups.
The 34 Manipur MLAs, during a meeting on January 21, passed a series of resolutions concerning the state’s ongoing violence. The meeting was attended by 34 legislators of the ruling government. Altogether, seven Naga legislators also attended the assembly, in which four from the Naga People’s Front (NPF), two from BJP and one from NPP.
The ITLF Secretary questions the focus on the Kuki-Zo community rather than disarming the responsible armed factions. He mentioned that numerous illicit weapons, totalling approximately 5,000 sophisticated weapons and over 500,000 rounds of ammunition, were looted from the state arms depot, employed in the ongoing conflict targeting and harming the Kuki-Zo communities. “ITLF and the Kuki-Zo community believe that the central forces remain impartial and neutral. The only thing is that the Meitei armed group and militants attempt to annihilate the Kuki-Zo people in hill areas have been unsuccessful due to the presence of central security forces.”
He also refutes allegations by the 34 MLAs that sophisticated weaponry, like Rocket Propelled Grenade launchers, used in Indian Territory, is linked to Myanmar-based armed militants. Tombing argues that there is no evidence of Myanmar militants’ involvement in the conflict and underscores the neutrality of central forces. The ITLF Secretary questions the central teams’ meetings with Meitei radical group Arambai Tenggol, raising concerns about potential support for attacks on Kuki-Zo communities.
The resolution adopted by Manipur MLAs on January 21 addresses critical issues, emphasizing immediate and decisive action to end the cycle of violence, disarm illegal arms, and ensure public safety in sensitive areas. The legislators express concerns about SoO agreements with armed militant groups, calling for the abrogation of such pacts. The resolution also urges strict instructions to forces, holding them accountable and replacing those failing to respond appropriately, to rebuild public trust, particularly in areas like Moreh, Bishnupur, Imphal West, Kakching, among others.”
