“No way will we allow this…”: Kangpokpi Residents On Manipur Govt’s Proposal to Centre to Replace AR With CRPF

The residents of Saikul Sub-Division of Manipur’s Kangpokpi district have strongly opposed the Manipur Government’s proposal to the Centre to replace Assam Rifles with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and staged a sit-in protest on Saturday.

N Biren Singh-led Manipur Government has proposed to the Union Home Ministry to replace battalions of Assam Rifles with CRPF in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.

Speaking to Northeast Live, Lun Mate, a prominent Kuki-Zo leader from Saikul said that they find it is an unjust decision that undermines their security and trust.

“We protest this act of the Ministry of Home Affairs. We find this very unjust and illogical,” he said.

He also emphasised the unique understanding that Assam Rifles has of local dynamics, which the locals believe is crucial for maintaining stability in the region.

The Kuki-Zo leader made it clear that any move to remove Assam Rifles from their current locations would not be accepted.

“We want to send a loud and clear message to all concerned that in no way will we allow the removal of Assam Rifles from our locations. If the removal were to happen, another unit or battalion of Assam Rifles must be deployed in its place, not the CRPF,” he added.

People of Churachandpur have also strongly opposed the alleged proposal to replace Assam Rifles deployed in Buffer Zones with the CRPF.

However, it needs to be mentioned here that there has been no official announcement to replace the Assam Rifles posted in fringe areas with the CRPF.

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