Expressing distress over the Centre’s inaction in the ongoing conflict in the state, women leaders in the state have demanded the withdrawal of the merger agreement signed between the Indian government and Manipur.
“Now, we know what is happening in Manipur. We are fed up with your attitude towards Manipur. We don’t want to be a part of India and we will fight Kuki militants by ourselves,” said Th Ramani, veteran Meira Paibi leader.
Speaking to the media at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal on Tuesday, Th Ramani urged for searching the abducted youths as soon as possible and handing them over to the women or to the family. They had gone to take part in recruitment of SSC with 33 AR, not for having fun, she said.
“You all know now that the Meiteis cannot go to Kuki area and the Kukis cannot come to Meitei area. In such a situation, being taken for recruitment by AR at an area where there is route confusion means the Indian Army is involved in the conspiracy,” Ramani alleged.
“We are frustrated now as it has been five days and the youths are still kept hostage,” said Ramani, demanding to withdraw the merger agreement between Manipur and India.
“This is too much, many have died and many have been abducted,” said Ramani, asking the accountability of both Indian Army and Manipur government.
Criticising the India government’s inaction towards Manipur, Ramani claimed that the Indian government does not respect Manipur’s sovereignty and the Manipur government.
“We don’t want such treatment, we can fight Kuki by ourself. We can protect Manipur ourself. So, withdraw the merger agreement signed by Maharaja Bodhachandra”, Ramani said.
Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) president Lourembam Nganbi alleged Assam Rifles over the abduction of youths, stating that out of three youths, one has been released and two are still captive, this showing India government’s inaction towards Manipur.
“We know what the state government and India government is doing. We want pre merger status now. Before the merger agreement we had our own constitution that should return to us,” said Nganbi.
“I had raised these issues in the Inter-State Council of Manipur but I faced threats. They tried to persecute me for raising pre merger status,” Nganbi informed. Abducting innocent youths and demanding ransom is an act of terrorism, it is known to everyone. The government has to take up any means and it is their responsibility to find them, Nganbi said.
“Don’t think that mothers will agree with your feign game. We are mothers, we know what you are playing. It is your responsibility, you should know and act accordingly,” Nganbi said, pointing fingers at the state government.
