The convenor of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the brutal killing of Ngangbam Surbala in Koutruk, Ningthoujam Popilal, stated that the N Biren Singh-led government's inability to enforce equal action against protestors in both the hills and the valley is an act of cowardice.
The JAC was formed on Monday following a public meeting held at the community hall of Phayeng Mamang Leikai, Imphal West, in connection with the killing of a woman in Koutruk, Imphal West, during an attack by Kuki militants.
"N Biren Singh, you are the Chief Minister of Manipur, and your failure to enforce the law equally in both the hills and the valley is an act of cowardice," Popilal said.
He further remarked, "When internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in the Imphal area held a rally demanding resettlement in their respective homes, a large number of security forces, including state and central forces, were deployed, and several rounds of tear gas shells and live bullets were fired to control and disperse the agitators. However, during the recent rally organised by Kuki organizations in Kuki-inhabited areas against the Chief Minister of Manipur, both state and central security forces remained silent, acting as mere spectators."
Popilal urged the chief minister, who is also the Home Minister, to take equal action in both the hills and the valley.
He also mentioned that the meeting resolved a seven-point memorandum, demanding that the government undertake immediate and serious operations against the Kuki terrorists, capture all those involved in the recent Koutruk attack within 24 hours from September 2, and abrogate the existing Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with any Kuki militant group at any cost.
The memorandum further demanded the immediate removal of all Assam Rifles from Manipur, accusing them of intentionally ignoring the activities of Kuki terrorists. The government was also urged to provide proper security (state forces) to all Meitei villages in the foothills starting from September 2. The government must also take full responsibility for the deceased's family.
The JAC warned that it would intensify various forms of agitation if these demands are not fulfilled.
