Imagi Meira, a women's organization, has called on all elected representatives in Manipur to cease political blame games and unite to pressure the central government into resolving the ongoing crisis before it escalates further, potentially surpassing the infamous June 18 incident.
Th Sujata, convenor of Imagi Meira, spoke to the media on Wednesday at the Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul in Imphal. She criticized the Centre’s neglect of the state government, attributing it to the failure of Manipur’s representatives to present a unified front.
She emphasised that, apart from the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, the remaining 50 MLAs and two MPs must work together to pressure the central government to resolve the Manipur crisis, which began on May 3 of the previous year, when Kuki militants launched attacks on the Meitei community.
Sujata questioned the government’s inability to defend against the various attacks carried out by Kuki militants, citing the recent Koutruk drone bombing incident as a prime example. She suggested that had the government acted to defend against the attack, Surbala might not have lost her life.
“Stop claiming that peace is being restored while staying inside bungalows. If peace is truly being restored, can they move freely across Manipur like before? Or are they waiting for all the Meiteis to be wiped out, as drone bombings can be carried out anywhere, even in our homes in Imphal?” Sujata asked.
She added that distributing some rice in Imphal city will not restore peace or solve the crisis.
“It is not the time for elected representatives to prioritize their own benefits or to secure their positions. We do not want any political parties; what we want is for all 50 MLAs and 2 MPs to cooperate and pressure the Centre to restore peace,” Sujata stated.
Co-convenor of Imagi Meira, RK Ongbi Sunita, highlighted that the recent Sunday drone bombing attack was conducted with pinpoint accuracy, just 14-15 km from Raj Bhavan, Imphal. She warned that Kuki militants could continue targeting the heart of the city.
She also mentioned reports of sophisticated weapons, allegedly from Myanmar, being imported into Kangpokpi district under the nose of the district’s Deputy Commissioner and used to attack Meitei villages. Instead of apprehending the Kuki militants who are bombing innocent villagers, the state police department, along with central security forces, is conducting search operations only in the areas where bombs have exploded in the valley, she added.
Sunita questioned why the state government has not taken stringent action against the recent rallies held in Kuki-dominated areas of Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts. These rallies, which were reportedly against CM Biren and in favour of turning Manipur into a union territory, were conducted with police personnel visibly protecting the protestors.
She also pointed out that it is well-known there is external aggression involved in the ongoing Manipur crisis, yet the Indian Army has not taken action against Kuki militants, who are reportedly supported by illegal armed Kuki immigrants.
“The government should take necessary measures without bias to restore peace in Manipur,” said Sunita.
