In the midst of enduring ethnic tensions and a tenuous law and order situation in Manipur, a group of seven BJP legislators has met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, urging an intensified effort to recover illegal arms in the state’s hill districts. This move is seen as critical amidst ongoing concerns over the recovery of such arms, which remains less effective in the hill areas compared to the Imphal Valley.
At a press briefing held at the BJP state headquarters, MLA Kh Ibomcha emphasized the delegation’s call to the Governor for accelerated peace talks between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, underscoring the importance of taking action against individuals who perpetrate provocative acts against any community. The delegation’s plea reflects a broader attempt to quell the volatility that has marred inter-community relations in the region.
The legislators commended the public’s cooperation with the Governor’s prior request to return looted weapons, noting that over 1,000 arms were surrendered earlier in the year, between February and March. However, Ibomcha expressed concern that the recovery efforts in the hill districts have been “lackadaisical,” contrasting sharply with more effective operations in the Imphal Valley. This gap in enforcement underscores the need for a more robust recovery strategy in the hill areas to stabilize the region.
Additionally, the BJP delegation raised issues regarding restrictions on sacred sites such as Thangjing Hills, viewing it as a significant disrespect to Meitei religious sentiments. “We urged the Governor to take action against those infringing on people’s religious rights,” stated Ibomcha, representing the Lamlai constituency, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural and religious integrity in these turbulent times.
The delegation also addressed the pressing needs of the local agrarian community, calling for prompt crop compensation for affected farmers. They stressed the necessity of speeding up payments for house construction for those displaced, drawing attention to the socio-economic challenges faced by locals as a result of ongoing disruptions.
In response to media speculation about the potential replacement of the state’s chief secretary, Ibomcha dismissed such claims as “unfortunate,” clarifying that the meeting’s objective was solely focused on addressing the state’s pressing issues. He also took the opportunity to criticize the Congress party for its recent demonstrations outside the Enforcement Directorate office concerning the National Herald case, reaffirming the BJP’s dedication to maintaining law and order in Manipur.
As the situation unfolds, the need for effective conflict resolution and recovery measures remains paramount. The delegation’s intervention signifies a proactive step towards facilitating dialogue and fostering peace in a region that desperately needs stability and unity. Such efforts are essential to ensuring that Manipur navigates through these challenging times towards a more harmonious and secure future.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/bjp-mlas-urge-manipur-governor-to-intensify-arms-recovery-in-hill-areas-accelerate-peace-talks-1201172-2025-04-18?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-04-18 19:39:00
