Rajkumar Imo Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Manipur and son-in-law of Chief Minister Biren Singh, has called for the removal of central forces deployed in the violence-stricken state. In a letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Singh criticizes the forces as ‘mute spectators,’ claiming their presence has not brought an end to the ongoing conflict.
Singh, who represents the Sagolband assembly seat in Imphal West district, argues that despite the deployment of around 60,000 central forces for 16 months since the violence erupted in May 2023, there has been no significant improvement in the situation. He asserts that certain groups are benefitting from the continued violence and appear to be deliberately prolonging the conflict.
The BJP MLA’s demand comes on the heels of a fresh wave of violence in Manipur, with two people killed and several injured in a suspected extremist attack on Sunday. The attack reportedly involved the use of drones and RPGs, marking an escalation in the violence.
Singh expresses concern over the lack of effectiveness of the large deployment of Army and Central Armed Police Forces in Manipur. He points out that the violence has now escalated to the point of drone attacks and shelling, tactics reminiscent of those employed in neighboring countries.
Chief Minister Biren Singh has condemned the violence, labeling the drone attacks as an act of terrorism. He has also called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Opposition politicians, including Congress MP Angomcha Akoijam, have also questioned the role of the armed forces in Manipur, expressing concerns over their apparent inability to quell the violence. The ongoing conflict in Manipur continues to be a cause for concern, with the recent escalation raising questions about the effectiveness of the current security measures and the future of peace in the state.
