Meitei Group Arambai Tengol Surrenders Arms in Manipur
In a significant development towards restoring peace in Manipur, the radical Meitei group, Arambai Tengol, has surrendered its arms to the state government. This action follows an appeal by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who urged all communities to “voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held arms and ammunition within seven days” to curb the ongoing ethnic violence.
Arambai Tengol’s Commitment to Peace
Visuals circulating on social media depict members of Arambai Tengol arriving in a convoy of pickup trucks, transporting surrendered weapons. This gesture underscores the group’s commitment to Governor Bhalla’s call for disarmament and the restoration of peace in the region.
Conditions and Demands
Prior to the surrender, Arambai Tengol had stipulated certain conditions for relinquishing their arms. The group’s public relations officer, Robin Mangang Khwairakpam, stated, “Bhalla also requested us to surrender the illegally possessed weapons. …we put forward certain terms and conditions and assured him that the weapons would be surrendered if those conditions were met.” While specific conditions were not disclosed, the group submitted a memorandum to the Governor outlining several demands:
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Border Security: Implementation of fencing along the Myanmar border to prevent illegal crossings.
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National Register of Citizens (NRC): Execution of the NRC with 1951 as the cut-off year to identify and deport “illegal immigrants.”
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Suspension of Operations Agreement: Revocation of agreements with Kuki insurgent groups, aiming to address concerns over ongoing conflicts.
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Legal Immunity: Assurances that no arrests or legal actions would be taken against volunteers or armed civilians, including Arambai Tengol members.
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Scheduled Tribe Status: Granting of Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community, which constitutes the majority in Manipur.
Context of the Unrest
The violence in Manipur, which erupted in May 2023, has resulted in at least 260 fatalities and displaced approximately 60,000 individuals. Arambai Tengol has faced allegations of involvement in attacks against Kuki tribals and the destruction of their properties. The unrest has also led to the looting of weapons from state armories and police stations, exacerbating the security situation.
The surrender of arms by Arambai Tengol marks a pivotal step towards de-escalating tensions and fostering dialogue among the diverse communities in Manipur. The state government, in collaboration with community leaders, continues to work towards sustainable peace and reconciliation in the region.
