The Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee (DMCC), Global Manipur Federation (GMF), Leeching (Jiribam, Manipur) on Friday expressed disappointment over the alleged absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Manipur since the onset of the prevailing conflict and urged him to address the grave situation that has engulfed the state for the past 13 months and 25 days.
A release jointly issued by W Premjit of DMCC and Sunil of GMF alleged that the silence of the Prime Minister is a conspiracy of silence and appealed to him to make concerted effort to restore peace and normalcy in the state. 'End Siding with Kuki Militants’, ‘Restore Indian States' Constitutional Authority in Manipur’, ‘Stop misusing security forces for Geo-Political Warfare in Manipur’ and ‘Restore Peace’ were highlighted in the release.
It voiced concern over the conflict that erupted on May 3, 2023, after Meeteis were attacked by kuki militants at four kuki dominated districts of Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Chandel, Tengnoupal and Torbung in Bisenpur districts, which brought unprecedented turmoil in the land and urged the Centre for immediate and decisive action.
It appealed for an immediate visit by the Prime Minister to Manipur; equal and unbiased protection for all communities in Manipur; an end to any divisive politics and strategies that may be aimed at breaking up the state; transparency regarding the government's strategy in handling the Manipur conflict; immediate restoration of the state government's authority and a return to proper federal structure, allowing local leadership to play its crucial role in conflict resolution and comprehensive peace process that includes all stakeholders, aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict and fostering long-term reconciliation between communities.
It pointed out that since May 3, 2023, the state has witnessed a troubling centralization of power, with the deployment of central security forces and the appointment of a new security advisor, effectively superseding the state government's authority. The shift represents a de facto imposition of Article 355, though never officially declared, it claimed.
It asserted that the chief minister's powers have been allegedly curtailed, with control now seemingly in the hands of the security advisor, Home Minister, and Prime Minister. This centralization of power places the responsibility for the ongoing conflict squarely on the shoulders of these central figures, it maintained.
It further went on to accuse the central security forces of being biased in providing protection and facilitating the division of communities along ethnic lines, it accused. It also lamented the apparent inaction against Kuki militant groups, even after direct attacks on security forces.
The current conflict has raised grave suspicions about the central government's long-term intentions for Manipur, it said and added that there are growing fears that the unrest is being allegedly used as a pretext to divide the state.
It expressed grief over the human cost of the conflict pointing out that families have been displaced, communities torn apart, and the very fabric of the society strained to the breaking point. It also condemned any attempts to use the state as a pawn in larger geopolitical strategies and urged all parties- the central government, state authorities, community leaders, and citizens to come together to protect Manipur and its people.
