Imphal: Several significant resolutions were adopted in a meeting of Members of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly held on January 21, at 2:00 pm. The meeting was attended by 35 MLAs.
The first resolution calls for non-extension of the SoO agreement with militant groups who also indulge in anti-state activities beyond its expiry date of February 29, 2024.
“The Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreements with the armed militant groups, and the immunity it provides to these groups from a firm reaction from Central forces, is the main cause of the never-ending cycle of violence”.
The 2nd resolution calls for complete Disarmament of all illegal arms in the possession of miscreants and unauthorized persons in the entire State at the earliest by the Central and State forces.
“Armed attacks (using sophisticated weaponry such as Rocket Propelled Grenade launchers) on Indian soil, Indian citizens and State security forces by Myanmar-based Armed Militants must be stopped at all costs. It will be to the detriment of the prestige of the Republic of India if this cannot be achieved in short order” says the 3rd resolution.
The 4th resolution talks about the inaction and lack of response of the Assam Rifles deployed in areas like In Moreh, Bishnupur, Imphal West, Kakching etc.
“In many of the sensitive areas, Assam Rifles are not responsive and remain mute spectators when unarmed civilians (particularly farmers) are being indiscriminately fired upon frequently. The claim that their deployment is providing security to the communities residing in these areas has been questioned. These forces and their leadership (chain of command) need to give strict instructions and be held accountable and replaced with forces that have the ability to act by returning suppressive fire when they observe that unarmed civilians are being fired upon, to enable civilians to get to cover and safety. Such a reaction, which is wholly appropriate to safeguard the lives of civilians under fire, has been non-existent which is why the public’s faith and trust in the forces presently deployed at places such as Moreh, Bishnupur, Imphal West, Kakching etc. has been shattered”.
Legislators also unanimously resolved that the Government of India should take appropriate action at the earliest.
If the Government of India is unable to take any positive action as per these demands, the MLAs present in the meeting resolved that they will take appropriate action in consultation with the public.
