No peace unless SoO is abrogated : JD(U)
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 08 2023:
The Janata Dal-United (JD-U) has categorically stated that the prevailing situation would not subside and peace will remain a far cry until and unless the SoO pact with Kuki militant groups is not abrogated.
Highlighting the prevailing situation which is marked by rampant violence and arson as well as possible measures to bring a solution, JD(U) submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah today through Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh.
Speaking to media persons after submitting the memorandum, JD(U) Manipur State unit president Kshetrimayum Biren said the party was hopeful that Amit Shah's three-day visit to the State would bring peace and normalcy.
"We were hopeful that some of the major demands, if not all, would be translated into action but the Union Home Minister's actions are not compatible with his assurances", Ksh Biren said.
Even after thousands of security forces had been flown into the State, violence of all types have been besieging the State till today.
Even after 34 days of the violent crisis, peace and normalcy still remain a far cry, he said.
Talking about the memorandum addressed to the Union Home Minister, JD(U) National Council member and JD(U) State unit senior spokesman Dr Nimaichand Luwang pointed out that attacks by heavily armed Kuki militants at Meitei village located at peripheral areas have been going on unabated.
Many innocent civilians have been killed by Kuki militants after the Union Home Minister's visit to the State.
Notwithstanding the Union Home Minister's assurance that SoO ground rules would be enforced stringently and strong actions would be initiated if the SoO ground rules are violated, Kuki militants have been repeatedly attacking Meitei villages at fringe areas and the Centre is doing nothing, Dr Nimaichand said.
Within two/three days of Amit Shah's return to Delhi, Kuki militants burnt down around 300 houses at Sugnu-Serou area including the house of MLA K Ranjit.
Even though it is the height of the paddy cultivation season, farmers are afraid of going to fields for fear of Kuki militants, he said.
He then urged the Central Government to deploy adequate security forces at all vulnerable areas so that farming activities can commence.
The Union Home Minister has been reminded once again that peace can be restored in Manipur only after abrogation of the SoO, Dr Nimaichand said.
The current situation of Manipur is like there is no governance at all, he remarked.
JD(U) Manipur unit senior vice-president Dr Khwairakpam Loken remarked that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is still unable to keep his promise of opening Imphal-Dimpaur highway.
As a result, prices of all essential commodities have skyrocketed, he said.
The situation of Chief Minister N Biren is such that he is under house arrest, he said.
Kh Loken then urged the Central Government to open Imphal-Dimapur highway urgently.
Further, no action has been initiated so far on the Union Home Minister's announcement for relief and rehabilitation of affected people, he lamented.
The current situation is quite akin to the saying Ningthemna Singhasan da phamli, Sashan na British na ngaktuna chattahri (The king sits on the throne but the Britishers are ruling the Nation), Loken said.
JD(U) Manipur State unit spokesman Samuel Jendai observed that Chief Minister N Biren's Go to Hills and Meeyamgi Numit have now vanished.
The present crisis is a result of misgovernance and inefficiency of the State Government, Samuel Jendai said.
The Chief Minister is now totally powerless and he is no longer the chairman of the unified command.
Under such circumstances, N Biren ought to step down from the post of Chief minister in the interest of the public, he said.
JD(U) State unit vice-president O Nabakishore was also present at the press meet.
Comment
