Republican Party of India (Athawale) national secretary Maheshwar Thounaojam has written a letter addressed to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, urging to abrogate the SoO agreement with all Kuki militants and stop external aggression.
In his letter, Maheshwar apprised the defence minister of the current situation and development of the crisis in Manipur, stating that peace is not yet restored in Manipur even after seven months.
The Kuki Militants are attacking the Meitei villages whenever they want and they are misusing the SoO agreement from time to time, it said. It stressed on the need to abrogate the SoO agreement with all the Kuki Militants, citing that they are breaking all the ground rules of the agreement.
It reminded Rajnath Singh’s statement that the present crisis in Manipur is because of external aggression.
“The NIA, in its report has also stated the same. So, I urge the government to utilise all the deployed Defence and Paramilitary forces in Manipur to stop the external aggression,” it added.
It further stated that innocent Meitei villagers and women are alone defending their villages. It also questioned why all the forces deployed in Manipur have turned silent spectators. The villagers have left their jobs defending their villages, and they are now struggling for their daily bread, it said.
It further questioned if Kukis blocking the National Highways as per their whims are allowed by the Constitution. He also questioned if the government is going to play a spectator role when the National Highways are blocked, urging the central Government to intervene in the matter.
The letter also urged to take up required measures to send those living in relief camps to their respective homes by giving adequate security.
It demanded to disqualify the 10 Kuki MLAs since they are playing a vital role in demanding for a separate administration, and trying to break the integrity of the land.
It highlighted that the ITLF (Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum), COTU (Committee On Tribal Unity) and World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council (WKZIC) are playing vital roles in creating chaos in Manipur.
“There are various instances when ITLF volunteers are seen with sophisticated weapons. The other two organisations are also blocking the Highways from time to time. So, please treat and announce them as unlawful organisations and please stop entertaining them,” it said.
It also urged to give ST Status to the Meetei/Meiteis who are one of the indigenous tribes of Manipur so that Right to Equality can be served.
