'Not the time for infighting'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 29 2024:
Expressing serious concern over the unfolding situation in the valley districts, former Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar has categorically stated that any undertaking which would be detrimental to the interest of the Meeteis and by contrast be a matter of satisfaction and joy for the Kukis should be avoided at all cost.
Speaking to the media at Naoremthong Bazar today, Joykumar who is the National vice president of NPP and former DGP of Manipur said that the firing incident which took place at Wangkhei on February 27 and the abduction of Additional SP (Ops) of Imphal West is a matter of great concern.
Saying that there are people who will clap in joy whenever there is an unfortunate incident similar to that of Wangkhei firing, Joykumar maintained that he is disheartened to see some Kuki people making a mockery of the situation in the valley districts on social media.
Asking if the developing situation in valley districts is instigated by people with vested interest, the former top cop continued that there were cases of looting arms and ammunition from police and IRB posts and closure of oil retail outlets too amid the course of violence.
The people of Manipur ought to understand that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been monitoring the situation in the State, Joykumar said.
He also said that three voluntary organisations may be declared as unlawful organisations by MHA and Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) reimposed in both hill and valley districts to recover the looted arms and ammunition.
Saying that the friction which has emerged between the police commandos and another organisation at this point of time is unfortunate and won't benefit the people, Joykumar maintained that disunity among the people is detrimental to the State's interest.
Who will protect the State if all commandos lay down their arms, he asked.
Further stating that there must be unity among the State forces and those who are at the forefront to safeguard Manipur, Joykumar maintained that volunteers alone cannot protect the State.
President's Rule (PR) will be imposed in Manipur if the situation remains as it is, he cautioned and asked the Police Department and another voluntary organisation to sort out their differences and not be carried away by emotion.
"Disunity of any kind among us would be suicidal," he said.
Other NPP leaders also attended the press briefing.