IMPHAL: A day after a high-level envoy from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) engaged in talks with leaders of the Meitei group Arambai Tengol, the group has stirred fresh unease by calling for a meeting with Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
The scheduled meeting is set to take place at Kangla, the historic fort located at the heart of Imphal, on January 24 at 10 am.
Reports indicate that Arambai Tengol has invited all the ministers and MLAs hailing from the valley districts to convene at Kangla.
In anticipation of the high-profile gathering, security measures in and around Kangla have been significantly intensified.
Speculations have been rife about the group’s intentions, with rumours suggesting that members may attempt to enter the venue armed.
In response, the West Imphal Superintendent of Police has heightened security protocols to thwart any potential threats posed by Arambai Tengol.
In an official statement issued on Tuesday, the police outlined detailed plans to secure the venue, including the southern, western, northern, and eastern (Nongpokthong) gates.
The increased security measures are aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of all attendees and maintaining public order.
The developments follow a closed-door meeting held on January 22 between a special envoy from the MHA and leaders of Arambai Tengol at Sana Konung, Palace Compound.
Although specific details of the discussions remain undisclosed, Korounganba Khuman, a prominent leader of Arambai Tengol, took to social media to share some of the demands and proposals presented to the MHA team.
Among the key requests outlined by the Meitei group are the initiation of a National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise with 1951 as the base year, deportation of illegal immigrants, abrogation of the Suspension of Operation agreement with Kuki militants, relocation of Myanmar refugees to Mizoram, expedited border fencing, and removal of Assam Rifles from the region.
