Manipur: Meitei radical group Arambai Tenggol urges new Governor for NRC, fencing border with Myanmar

Guwahati: Two days before first talks between the Kuki organisations and MHA officials in New Delhi, Arambai Tenggol, an influential Meitei radical group in Manipur, urged new Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to accelerate steps for implementing National Register of Citizens (NRC) and fencing the border with Myanmar.

The radical armed organisation, which "forced" all MLAs to sign a petition for a NRC amid the conflict with the Kukis last year, affirmed that territorial integrity of Manipur was paramount, a stand that seeks to oppose the demand for separation by the Kuki groups.

"We stand united in our commitment to ensure stronger border fencing. It is vital that we protect our borders against illegal activities and ensure the safety and security of our residents. We believe that our new Governor will prioritise this issue and work diligently to fortify our defences," Tenggol said in a statement.

Formed in 2020 with an aim to protect Meitei culture and identity, Arambai Tenggol, however, turned into a radical armed force during the conflict with the Kukis that erupted in May 2023. The group, reportedly having over 50,000 members, was accused of attacking the kukis and abduction for ransom in the Meitei-dominated valley districts. Some members of Arambai Tenggol were also arrested on charges of extortion.

Stressing the need for implementing NRC in Manipur to detect "illegal migrants", Tenggol said, "Every individual in our state has the right to security and recognition. We believe in a system that is efficient and fair, one that honours the dignity of all who call our state home." The group also urged the Governor to act against drug trafficking and cultivation.

Tenggol also expressed hope that Bhalla, a retired IAS officer, would take steps to ensure peace and welfare in the conflict-torn state.

Meiteis have been demanding NRC and fencing of the border with Myanmar saying "illegal migration" of Kuki Chin migrants have changed demography in Manipur and has posed a threat to identity and culture of the Meiteis. Kuki groups, on the other hand, say by demanding NRC, Meiteis have been trying to brand all Kukis as illegal migrants and attacking them.

Kuki Zo Council, a forum of all major Kuki organisations, will meet MHA officials in New Delhi for the first time on Friday. The council has been demanding a "separate administration" in the form of a Union Territory comprising the Kuki-dominated districts in Manipur, to restore peace. More than 250 people have died and over 60,000 others have been displaced in the conflict.