How are Manipur MLAs urging the Governor to resolve the ethnic crisis?

Synopsis
In a pivotal meeting, a collective of Manipur MLAs met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to address the state's ethnic crisis and law enforcement issues. Their plea for intervention highlights the urgency of restoring peace in the region amidst escalating tensions and violence.
Key Takeaways
- MLAs met with the Governor to discuss law and order issues.
- Urgent intervention sought to restore peace amidst ethnic tensions.
- Curfew and internet bans imposed to manage unrest.
- Violence reported following arrests of radical group members.
- Collective effort from various political factions for resolution.
Imphal, June 8 (NationPress) A delegation of Manipur MLAs convened a meeting with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday to address the escalating law and order issues within the state, seeking his assistance in finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing ethnic turmoil.
According to an official from the Raj Bhavan, the legislators briefed the Governor on the precarious law and order conditions prevailing in Manipur.
"The MLAs appealed to the Governor for his intervention to facilitate a harmonious solution. The Governor responded by assuring the delegation that all necessary actions are being taken to tackle the issues and restore normalcy," the official mentioned.
A total of 25 MLAs, representing a variety of political factions, convened with the Governor, urging him to step in swiftly to reestablish peace.
In a related development, the Governor conducted a security review meeting with senior administrative and security personnel at the Raj Bhavan.
"During this meeting, extensive discussions and evaluations of various aspects concerning the current law and order scenario were conducted," noted the Raj Bhavan official.
Attendees included Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, Commissioner of Home N. Ashok Kumar, the Secretary to the Governor, the Additional Director General of Police for Law & Order, the Inspector General of the Assam Rifles (South), the Inspector General of the CRPF, and other high-ranking officials.
Recent reports indicate fresh outbreaks of violence in the valley regions of Manipur, particularly in the Imphal East and Imphal West districts, following the arrest of a member of the radical Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol, Kanan Singh, along with four other members on Saturday.
Since Saturday evening, protesters have engaged in vandalism, setting fire to vehicles, including those belonging to law enforcement. Clashes between security forces and demonstrators have resulted in injuries to ten individuals, including a journalist.
In response to the arrests of Arambai Tenggol members, a large crowd of demonstrators set ablaze tires and discarded furniture on significant roads in Kwakeithel and Uripok in Imphal West, insisting on the immediate release of those detained.
Protesters also blockaded key installations.
In several locations, activists of Arambai Tenggol engaged in symbolic self-immolation protests against their arrests. Local residents reported hearing gunfire in Kwakeithel, although it remains unclear who fired the shots or if there were any injuries. Arambai Tenggol has announced a 10-day shutdown in Manipur starting Sunday to protest the detentions made by central security forces.
To manage the unrest, the state government imposed a ban on mobile internet services at midnight on Saturday, suspending data services for five days, and enforcing an indefinite curfew across five districts in the Imphal valley—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. A substantial presence of Central and state security forces, led by senior officials, has been dispatched to these districts, particularly in Imphal East and Imphal West, to restore order.