AMUCO spells out expectations, stand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 23 2023: The All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) has categorically stated that what the people expect from Security Advisor to the Manipur Government is to control violence, save lives and properties and not merely read out the report and data of gunfight, arson or other forms of violence happening in the State.

In a statement signed by its secretary publicity Laishram Krishnachandra Khuman, AMUCO asked what is the moral responsibility of the Security Advisor if violent acts continue to take place even after so many days since the eruption of the conflict among two sections of people.

Saying that the people of Manipur are not happy with the conduct of Central security forces and have been demanding withdrawal of Indian Army instead, AMUCO urged the Security Advisor to understand the sentiments of the people and work accordingly.

Asking whether the Central security forces sent to Manipur for riot control are taking sides, the Organisation further asked whether the Government plan to send more companies of Central security forces to Manipur is to suppress the Kuki militant groups allegedly supported by drug cartels coming from Myanmar or for other purposes.

There is no point in deploying additional Central security forces in Manipur if they are not able to subdue the Kuki militant groups completely, AMUCO added.

Further appealing to the Government to understand the sentiments of the people, AMUCO said that people don't want deployment of more Central security forces until the abrogation of Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Kuki militant groups is effected.

Is the Centre scheming to make Manipur a militarized State by sending large companies of Central security forces on the pretence of controlling violence, AMUCO asked.

President Rule is not imposed in Manipur but the size of Central security forces being deployed in Manipur is even big for an emergency situation, the Organisation stated.

Where are the Centre deploying all these security forces, AMUCO asked and questioned whether they (the security forces) are here in Manipur to aid the Kuki militant groups under SoO pact in implementing the sinister designs of the latter.

AMUCO went on to state that they condemn the way in which security forces assaulted media persons and firefighters at New Checkon on May 22 .

It also said that AMUCO endorses the resolution taken by the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) against the alleged excesses of security forces.

The law and order situation in Manipur would be somewhat under control if the security forces are committed to restore normalcy, it added.

Claiming that violence continues to take place in Manipur right in front of security forces, AMUCO asked whether the role of Central security forces is to control riot or instigate further violence.

People in sensitive areas started taking up arms to protect their villages and properties because they are not satisfied with the response of security forces, the Organisation added.

People can clearly see the ineffectiveness of the Indian Army in controlling violence as Kuki militants occasionally attack villages where Indian Army personnel are deployed by violating the ground rules of SoO, AMUCO claimed.

The tripartite SoO agreement was signed between the Indian Government, Manipur Government and Kuki militant groups under a set of ground rules, AMUCO reminded and added that there is no point of calling more companies of Central security forces in Manipur if the Centre couldn't revoke the SoO pact with the Kuki militant groups and take up befitting action against them for violating the ground rules of the agreement.

It is unlikely for the situation in Manipur to be normalised even if lakhs of security forces are deployed unless the Government cancel the SoO pact, AMUCO opined.

More violence and clashes may flare up in Manipur again even if the situation in Manipur is controlled for the time being as long as the Government doesn't abrogate the SoO pact and take up strong action against the Kuki militant groups.

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