Arambai Tenggol Praises Amit Shah’s Push for Manipur Border Fencing, Anti-Drug Measures

A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the need for border fencing and tackling drug trafficking in Manipur, Meitei militia group Arambai Tenggol welcomed the initiative.

The group, often accused of targeting the Kuki community since the ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, expressed their “heartfelt applause” for Shah’s leadership in fostering peace and stability.

In their statement, Arambai Tenggol also acknowledged Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s proactive stance, stating that his “prompt actions and assurances” have given hope to the people of Manipur.

Strengthening Security at the Manipur-Myanmar Border

The militia commended the ongoing efforts to reinforce the Manipur-Myanmar border security, describing the “swift progress in completing the fencing work” as essential for territorial safeguarding.

Arambai Tenggol also expressed strong support for anti-drug trafficking measures, affirming their commitment to a drug-free Manipur.

“The Arambai Tenggol is fully committed to supporting all initiatives that promote normalcy in Manipur. We believe that through collaborative efforts, we can work towards a peaceful and developed Manipur that reflects the aspirations of all its residents,” the statement read.

Arms Surrender: Lukewarm Response Despite Governor’s Appeal

A delegation from Arambai Tenggol had met with Governor Bhalla last week to discuss the conditions for surrendering their weapons.

The Governor had urged all groups in possession of illegal arms to hand them over.

However, the response has been minimal, with only a few hundred arms surrendered by March 2, despite nearly 6,000 weapons and six lakh rounds of ammunition being looted since the onset of ethnic violence.

To address the security situation, Amit Shah has now mandated free movement on all roads in Manipur starting March 8. He also directed authorities to take strict action against any obstructions to public movement.

Security Review Meeting in Delhi

A high-level review meeting, chaired by Shah in Delhi, focused on stabilizing the conflict-hit state. This was the first major security review since the imposition of President’s Rule.

The meeting included Governor Bhalla, senior Manipur government officials, and representatives from the Army and paramilitary forces.

The review comes in response to Governor Bhalla’s February 20 ultimatum urging people to surrender illegal weapons.

Over the next seven days, 300 weapons were surrendered, with Arambai Tenggol accounting for 246 firearms.

Manipur’s Political Landscape Under President’s Rule

Following Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s resignation, President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13. The state assembly, set to function until 2027, has been suspended.

The conflict, which began on May 3, 2023, was triggered by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ protesting the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Since then, over 200 lives have been lost, and violence continues to impact daily life.

Economic Blockade and Government Crackdown

In January, a Kuki group had imposed an economic blockade along NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur), affecting trade and transportation.

Though the blockade has since been lifted, the Home Ministry continues to prioritize dismantling the drug trade network and ensuring road security.

“To make Manipur drug-free, the entire network involved in drug trade should be dismantled,” the ministry’s statement emphasized.

Meitei Alliance Applauds Government’s Decisions

Two major civil society groups from the Meitei community expressed gratitude towards Shah and Governor Bhalla for their initiatives. The Meitei Alliance, a global umbrella body, praised four key measures:

• Cracking down on the drug trade
• Ensuring free movement on roads
• Combating extortion
• Accelerating border fencing

The Meitei Alliance also welcomed the surrender of arms by civilians, describing it as a “renewed trust in the central government’s commitment to citizen safety.”

They believe that guaranteeing public movement on roads will help restore Manipur’s “age-old, multi-ethnic, and pluralistic society” and revive the struggling economy.

Call for Complete Disarmament

The Association of Meiteis in the Americas (AMA) urged the government to go further by implementing complete disarmament.

“The presence of illegal arms has fueled violence, disrupted harmony, and hindered the path to progress. Disarming all armed groups, regardless of affiliation, is essential in rebuilding trust, restoring law and order, and making Manipur great again,” AMA stated.

They emphasized that a “comprehensive disarmament strategy” is necessary to ensure lasting peace and prosperity in Manipur.

Deadline for Arms Surrender Extended

Governor Bhalla extended the deadline for surrendering illegal weapons to March 6. The original deadline was February 27, the day Arambai Tenggol handed over a large cache of firearms.

Prior to this, AT members met with Bhalla, agreeing to disarm on the condition that security forces take responsibility for civilian safety and prevent further violence from Kuki militants positioned in hilltop bunkers.

Ongoing Ethnic Clashes Between Meiteis and Kukis

The violence in Manipur has been fueled by long-standing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities over land rights and political representation.

Over 250 people have been killed, and nearly 50,000 have been displaced.

While Arambai Tenggol claims it acted as “village volunteers” to defend Meitei settlements from Kuki militant attacks, the Kuki community alleges that AT launched offensives against their villages after the initial clashes.

The situation remains complex, with AT leaders, including its chief Korounganba Khuman, facing criminal cases and National Investigation Agency (NIA) probes.

The Road Ahead for Manipur

As Manipur remains under President’s Rule, efforts to restore peace continue.

With border fencing underway, anti-drug measures being enforced, and arms surrender initiatives in progress, the central government is actively working towards long-term stability.

However, the road to reconciliation between the Meitei and Kuki communities remains challenging, requiring sustained dialogue, cooperation, and security measures.