UCM questions motive of army chief's remark
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 02 2024:
United Committee Manipur (UCM) president Yk Dhiren has said that the remark made by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on the ongoing violence in Manipur has not only confused the people of the state about India's viewpoint on the violence but his motive behind outright dismissal on information placed in the public domain by state's security officials is questionable.
Speaking on the sidelines of 'Heitha-Leitha' rituals performed in memory of the martyrs at Kekrupat Martyrs' Memorial on Wednesday jointly organised by UCM and various organisations, Yk Dhiren told media persons that the top security officials of Manipur have already spoken and issued official statements regarding drone bombing, rocket attack and infiltration of foreign militants armed with highly sophisticated weapons.
A joint meeting of top security officials of the state attended by DGP, security advisor, GOC Mountain Division and others held recently discussed involvement of foreign hand in the present crisis in Manipur and even decided to hand over investigation into the drone bombing case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) comprising forensic experts.
Amidst this, the Indian Army chief said that there was no drone bombing and infiltration of armed foreign militants in Manipur and his remark was very unfortunate, the UCM president said.
According to Yk Dhiren, the remark made by the Indian Army chief, which was in complete contrast to inputs shared by security officials on the ground, indicates that there is huge lack of coordination and cooperation among top officials of India's security agencies deployed in Manipur.
This has also confused people of the state on how the Government of India is viewing the violence in Manipur, he added.
Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi's remark also mentioned that it is human nature to escape from conflict zone and live in peaceful area.
However, there should be clarity on how the government treats those fleeing from strife-torn Myanmar and entered into the peaceful country (India), Yk Dhiren said, adding that the Army chief's remark in this regard lacked clarity.
Deeply concerned over detention of two out of three missing youths who went to join a recruitment exam, the UCM president said that demanding something by holding hostage is the globally accepted act of terrorism but the government of India is taking no action to rescue the hostages.
Asking as to how people of Manipur could trust the Government of India in the light of such inactions, the UCM president urged government to work in the interest of the people and take up immediate steps for rescuing the two youths.