Manipur: 10 Kuki MLAs urge govt not to withdraw Assam Rifles from hill areas

Ten Kuki MLAs requested the Prime Minister and Home Minister to stop the withdrawal of two Assam Rifles battalions from Kuki-Zo-Hmar areas, citing their vital role in preventing ethnic violence. These MLAs, mainly from the BJP, have boycotted the Manipur assembly sessions due to insecurity. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is being assigned a greater role, replacing Assam Rifles in some regions. Tribal organizations have protested this change. In contrast, the Meitei community seeks Assam Rifles' removal, suspecting their bias in the ongoing conflict since May 2022.