Manipur MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh has called for the Indigenous Tribal Leader’s Forum (ITLF) to be banned, citing allegations that the group has procured lethal drones, arms, ammunition, and bombs for attacking civilians. Singh argued that if these allegations are substantiated, the ITLF should be prohibited under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Singh expressed concern over the involvement of highly trained professionals and questioned the identities of individuals with ITLF credentials and those responsible for training others in violence. He emphasized that Indian law allows for the banning of individuals and organizations involved in terrorism.
The MLA urged the Manipur Police to conduct a thorough investigation and arrest those implicated in these activities. Singh characterized the situation as an act of terror and an assault on both India and the people of Manipur, rather than merely an ethnic conflict.
On September 2, Singh conveyed his concerns to Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting recent acts of terror by armed militants. These incidents have resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including an innocent woman, and injuries to children and security personnel. Singh noted that this violence followed a Peace Rally held across the state and emphasized that the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for 15-16 months, involves illegal armed groups engaged in acts of terror rather than a simple ethnic dispute. The MLA also pointed out that the violence has escalated to include drone attacks and shelling.
