AMUCO wants concrete action against SoO militants
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 15 2023:
Alleging that many Manipur and Myanmar based Kuki militants, aside from the Kuki militants under SoO, have joined the ongoing conflict in targeting a particular community, the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) has urged both the Central and State Government to consider the matter seriously and take concrete actions.
A statement issued by Laishram Krishnachandra Khuman, secretary publicity, AMUCO has accused Myanmar based drug cartel/ mafia of smuggling people into the State, including weapon-bearing groups, in a bid to oust the indigenous people from their own land.
"AMUCO and the people of Manipur will never let their nefarious designs suc- ceed.
Instead of succeeding, pose a significant threat to the indigenous population, the Manipuri diaspora residing outside the State will be called into action, AMUCO informed.
In this regard, AMUCO assured that it is in consistently in touch with Manipuris who have settled in different parts of Assam.
AMUCO further recalled its statement from February 12 on the occasion of its foundation day when it cautioned the public to take precautions against an upcoming civil unrest in the State due to the Goveipment's widespread destruction and ban on poppy cultivation and the subsequent losses this inflicted on the head honchos at the helm of the drug trade as well as the gun-totting militants under their command.
AMUCO had cautioned people that this unscrupulous group might
stoke the fire of various issues and attempt to cause turmoil in the State in retaliation.
Stating that this is exactly what followed, AMUCO asserted that calls for peace have not been raised from the other side as the drug mafia is at the root of this ethnic clash.
Despite the State Government's repeated appeals to restore peace and normalcy in the State, AMUCO opined that the Kuki militants will not retreat easily as the violence inflicted is not accidental but intentional from their side.
If sections of the Kuki community are against the scheme of these drug cartel-backed militants from Myanmmar (and supported by some groups in Manipur) to break the integrity of Manipur and cause strife between the different communities, then they should voice their stand on the matter before the public, AMUCO maintained.
It opined that Kuki militants with connections to the drug mafia are only motivated by power, money and greed for land.
They will not care about harm caused to any community, whether to others or their own, to achieve these goals, AMUCO said.
Stating that now is not the time to talk about politics, AMUCO urged the State Government to pour all its efforts into stopping the targeted attack on a particular community and foiling the plot to disintegrate Manipur.
Further, AMUCO urged the State politicians to discuss the prevailing condition in minute detail and take up appropriate action with great care.