A delegation of seven BJP MLAs from Manipur met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday, urging intensified recovery of illegal arms in the hill districts and faster peace talks to ease ethnic tensions in the state.
Addressing media at the BJP state office, MLA Kh Ibomcha expressed concern over the slow pace of arms recovery operations in the hills compared to the Imphal Valley. “Over 1,000 looted arms were surrendered during February and March, but the hills have seen poor enforcement,” he stated. The MLAs also requested the Governor to push for renewed dialogue between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities and to take firm action against individuals inciting communal discord.
Raising concerns over access to sacred sites, the delegation condemned restrictions on Thangjing Hills, calling it a violation of Meitei religious sentiments. They also pressed for immediate crop compensation for affected farmers and quick disbursal of funds for displaced families’ housing. Dismissing rumors about administrative reshuffles, Ibomcha called media reports on the chief secretary’s removal “unfortunate.”
