Two tribes-based organisations have petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “reconsider” the move to replace the Assam Rifles with the CRPF in strife-hit Manipur because it could lead “to a significant escalation of violence”.

“The CRPF, despite their capabilities, do not have the same level of familiarity and rapport with the local communities, which is crucial for peacekeeping in such a volatile region,” the Manipur Tribals’ Forum, Delhi, has said in a memorandum submitted to Modi on Saturday.

While Meitei leaders and organisations have been pushing for the replacement of the Assam Rifles by any other Central force since the ongoing conflict with the Kuki-Zos started on May 3, 2023, the Kuki-Zos are against any such move.

Meitei organisations often accuse the Assam Rifles of not acting against Kuki militants and miscreants. Kuki-Zo organisations, on the other hand, see a “saviour” in the AR personnel against Meitei radical forces.

Former Assam Rifles Director General Lt Gen P.C. Nair, who retired on July 31, had on Monday lauded his troops for their “tireless efforts” in curbing violence in strife-hit Manipur and “maintaining” the state’s integrity despite “facing wrongfulpropaganda from individuals and groups with vested interests”.

The Zo United has contended that replacing the Assam Rifles at this stage would “undermine the integrity” of the force and also the “trust our people” have in the Central government.

It may also disrupt the “fragile ceasefire along the buffer zone and lead to an eruption of violence”.