New Delhi : In a significant development, over 20 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from Manipur, who are currently in Delhi, have appealed to the Central government to take decisive action against those responsible for the recent abduction and murder of two students in the strife-torn state.
The legislators have also urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to expedite the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the incident.
Rajkumar Imo Singh, one of the MLAs, took to social media to voice their collective concern, stating, “Most legislators present in Delhi have already called upon the central government to deliver swift justice. Let us ensure that justice is served in the coming days by apprehending the culprits involved.”
Singh implored the people of Manipur to refrain from resorting to violence, emphasizing the importance of peaceful forms of protest and agitation to seek justice. He further added, “Our primary goal is to ensure justice for the slain students as swiftly as possible.”
Expressing dissatisfaction with the pace of the CBI investigation, Singh warned, “If the CBI fails to deliver justice within the next few days, we may convene here in Delhi alongside our constituents to chart a new course of action.”
However, he underscored the necessity of maintaining focus on their shared objectives, stating, “Our common cause to protect indigenous populations, identify illegal migrants, take action against insurgent groups violating established rules, and complete border fencing should not waver.”
The BJP MLA appealed for unity, stating, “At this crucial juncture, our unity is paramount. If we become divided, those seeking to exploit our divisions will succeed. Let us all stand together for Manipur.”
Singh also strongly denounced what he described as an “act of brutality by the armed forces” and questioned their use of force. He suggested that alternative methods, such as water cannons, should be employed to control such situations. He added, “Those involved should be held accountable under the law.”
The recent incident has triggered violent protests in Manipur’s capital over the past two days, with thousands of students taking to the streets to demand justice for the slain students. A clash between Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel and local residents erupted on Tuesday night, resulting in tear gas and rubber bullets being fired at protesters, leaving 45, primarily students, injured. Similar clashes occurred on Wednesday, resulting in around 20 more protesters being injured.
Since May 3, when ethnic violence erupted in Manipur during a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ protesting the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status, more than 180 people have lost their lives, and several hundred have been injured in the ongoing turmoil.
