DMCC flays government over 'armed' football match
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 07 2025: The Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee (DMCC) has strongly condemned the Government of India and the state government for what it calls an indirect endorsement of armed activities by Kuki militants in Kangpokpi district.

The condemnation follows the circulation of a video showing Kuki militants openly carrying sophisticated assault rifles while participating in a football match at the Nohjang Kipgen Memorial Playground in Kangpokpi.

The footage shows men in football attires wielding AK-series and US-origin M-series assault rifles, with red ribbons tied around the barrels, while playing the game.

The event, attended by over 300 people, also featured cultural performances, including traditional dances, with some underage children seen guarding the performances while holding rifles, said a statement of DMCC.

DMCC criticised the Government of India's failure to maintain law and order, stating that this blatant display of militarisation at a civilian event is proof of the impunity with which Kuki militants operate.

The committee expressed outrage at the absence of immediate government action despite such a publicised event, calling it a further indication of the collapse of governance and selective enforcement of law and order in the state.

The committee also slammed chief minister N Biren, and his cabinet ministers, including power minister Th Biswajit, works minister Govindas Konthoujam, CAF&PD minister L Susindro, and MLAs from Langthabal, Lamlai, Patsoi, and Kumbi assembly constituencies, for being away at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, at a time of escalating tensions in Manipur.

DMCC stated that their actions reflect a complete failure in governance and demanded their resignation, maintaining that if they are more interested in religious rituals than addressing Manipur's security crisis, they should retreat to the Himalayas to become priests.

DMCC recalled MP Bimol Akoijam's statement in Parliament, where he pointed out that Kuki armed groups have reportedly been propped up by security forces.

The committee asserted that the viral video of militants playing football with assault rifles further confirms suspicions that Kuki armed groups are being armed and shielded by state institutions.

The committee demanded an immediate crackdown on Kuki militants and all armed groups, the restoration of rule of law, and an end to what it described as "Indian state-sponsored militarisation".

DMCC called upon the Government of India to s'top siding with or supporting Kuki militants under the institutionalised "Suspension of Operations" (SoO) agreement and to end the weaponisation of ethnic communities.

The committee warned that if the government fails to act, it will be held directly responsible for the further deterioration of peace and stability in Manipur.

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