MIYC blames Kuki for shattering peace in Jiribam
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 10 2024: Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent violence in Jiribam, attributing the unrest to Kuki militants.

It alleged that the beheading of Soibam Saratkumar of Sorok Atingbi on June 6 was a deliberate act of aggression aimed at provoking conflict with the Meetei community in the peaceful district.

In a press statement, MIYC claimed that Kuki militants, in collusion with Central security forces, are attempting to create another "Kuki Occupied Manipur" within Jiribam.

MIYC called for declaring Kuki community as a criminal tribe, citing their involvement in conflicts not only in Manipur but also in Bangladesh.

Jiribam had maintained peace following the formation of a Peace Committee on May 5 of the previous year, despite the state-wide violence that erupted on May 3, consequent to attacks by armed Kukis on Meetei homes and civilians.

MIYC stated that Jiribam remained peaceful till June 5 this year, but the incident on June 6 shattered this period of stability.

In the aftermath, over 80 Meetei houses, as well as two police outposts and a forest beat office, were set ablaze.

MIYC criticised both Central and state security forces for their inaction during these events.

The statement accused the Central government of using the Kuki community for a proxy war in Manipur by sponsoring a campaign of terrorism.

It asserted that the renewed violence correlates with the return of the same government at the Centre.

Additionally, MIYC highlighted statements made by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had urged India to take appropriate action against Kuki militants instead of supporting them, and warned of a larger geopolitical strategy to create a Christian state by destabilising Bangladesh, Myanmar and several parts of northeast Indian states including Manipur.

The statement of Sheikh Hasina suggested that the government of India is leveraging Kuki militants to further its geopolitical interests in Myanmar, suppress the Meetei community, and erase the historical significance of Manipur as a powerful sovereign entity in Southeast Asia, MIYC contended.

Comment