IMPHAL: At a time when incidents of violence are escalating in Manipur, in a vital decision, the 9 Assam Rifles have been replaced by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at a crucial check post at Moirang Lamkhai on the Bishnpur-Kangvai road.
Additional Director General of Manipur Police (Law and Order) L Lailun, on Monday evening, said that from now on, the Manipur police and CRPF will be responsible for manning the check post.
“In partial notification of the office’s order, dated August 3, 2023, the Naka/Check post at Moirang Lamkhai on the Bishnpur to Kangvai road shall be manned by Civil police and CRPF (128 Battalion of CRPF) in the place of 9 Assam Rifles with immediate effect and until further orders,” an order read.
The decision was taken following the demands of several women vigilante groups, who had called for the withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from the state after the paramilitary force opened blank fire and tear gas on a group of women protesters on August 3. Over 50 women were injured in the incident.
The Meira Paibi, the vigilante group of Meitei women, on Monday organised protest demonstrations against the Assam Rifles in five districts of the Manipur Valley, alleging that the paramilitary force had “unleashed atrocities” on the Meitei people.
Hundreds of women carrying placards and banners held demonstrations throughout the day, demanding withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from the five valley districts – Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.
Moreover, in the past three months, numerous videos of bitter arguments between the Assam rifles and Manipur police commandos have also surfaced on social media platforms.
