Imphal: The issue of deployment of Assam Rifles has left the MLAs divided in the violence-hit Manipur.

Legislators from both factions in Manipur have forwarded memoranda to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. One faction is advocating for a complete replacement of the paramilitary force within the state, while the opposing group is advocating for its continued presence.

On Wednesday, a coalition of 40 MLAs and ministers, including members from the BJP, submitted a petition to PM Modi. They urged for the replacement of Assam Rifles’ 9th, 22nd, and 37th battalions, currently stationed in various locations, with alternative ‘reliable central force.’ These would be deployed in alongside the state police.

A day later, 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, including seven from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) submitted a memorandum on Thursday urging against the removal of Assam Rifles from the state. The group expressed concerns that withdrawing the paramilitary force, which had already been replaced at a significant checkpoint in Moirang Lamkhai, located in Bishnupur district, could ‘pose a threat to our safety and security.’

The memorandum highlights, “Assam Rifles is jointly working hard with other central forces to contain the situation in Manipur. Their contributions and sacrifices for our motherland are, in fact, beyond describable.”

The 10 MLAs also said that the ongoing violence has resulted in deep distrust between the Kuki-Zo-Hmar and Meitei communities. This mistrust is evident in the division of local administration and law enforcement agencies as well, according to the memorandum.