Imphal: In a significant move regarding the ongoing conflict in Manipur, the BJP-led government under Chief Minister N Biren Singh has requested control over the Unified Command, which is responsible for managing security operations in the Northeastern state. Currently, the Unified Command is overseen by officials from the Union Home Ministry, the state’s security adviser and the Army.
According to sources, Chief Minister Singh and all state MLAs have submitted a list of demands to Governor Lakshman Acharya. Among these demands is the request for “adequate powers and responsibilities to the elected State government as per the Constitution by handing over Unified Command,” NDTV reported quoting sources.
State seeks free hand against Kuki insurgents
Another major demand on the list is the termination of the Suspension of Operations agreement between the government and Kuki insurgent groups, which would allow security forces to intensify their crackdown. Earlier this year, in January, an all-party meeting in Manipur had also urged both the Centre and the state government to nullify the agreement to facilitate comprehensive operations against Kuki insurgents.
During the meeting, which was chaired by Chief Minister Singh, Opposition MLAs also raised concerns about the lack of communication regarding the imposition of Article 355 of the Constitution in Manipur. Article 355 mandates the Union to protect states against external threats and internal disturbances and its imposition indicates that the state is close to being placed under president’s rule.
Manipur demands NRC, border fencing
The demands also urge the Centre to restore peace in the state, which has been plagued by violence since ethnic clashes erupted in May last year. Apart from that, the chief minister and BJP MLAs have called for measures to protect the state’s territorial integrity, complete border fencing, implement a National Register of Citizens exercise and deport all illegal migrants, sources added.
