The All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) on Thursday submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah through the Manipur governor. It appealed to save the integrity of Manipur and resolve the present violent crisis in the state.
AMUCO, in its eight-point memorandum, said that ethno-centric politics has cast a shadow over Manipuri society, leading to an unfortunate violent outcome and political instability.
"It is imperative to recognise that lasting peace can only be achieved by discouraging and addressing ethnic-based politics through appropriate policy interventions," it stated.
It emphasized that the recent resurgence of violence and turmoil in Manipur has disrupted the relative peace of the state.
It pointed out three catalysts for the unfortunate turn of events, which was the initiation of three governance-positive initiatives by the Manipur government.
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The catalysts are War on Drugs, Eviction of Illegal Encroachers and Detection of Illegal Immigrants: An initiative to identify and address the issue of illegal immigration in the state, it stated.
The constitutional initiatives were perceived as anti-Kuki by ethnocentric militant organisations representing the Kuki-Zo community and supporters, as they were seen to impede their interests, it stated.
The demands in the memorandum include immediate Cessation of Armed Violence, Peace Process and Resettlement Measures for Internally Displaced Persons, amendment to the Indian Constitution, Article 3, immediate Implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
It also included a demand for ending the Formation of Ethnic-Centric Political Units by Constituting a District Reorganisation Committee, creation of Special Administrative Zones, protection and Conservation of Community/Reserve Forests and eradication of narco-trade and poppy cultivation.
AMUCO firmly believes that a collective political aspiration, coupled with its unimpeded implementation is the only viable solution to the current conflict and violence, it mentioned. It appealed for prompt action on the said matters, adding that it is not only crucial for the welfare of Manipur but also in the best interests of India's national security and regional stability.
