CSOs urge for concrete decision to resolve crisis
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 08 2025: Over a dozen organisations inclu-ding the Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) have urged the Government to discuss the Manipur crisis in the coming Assembly session and implement an immediate ceasefire to "foster dialogue" .

Setting priorities for the Legislative Assembly, the organisations said, the Governor's address must include provisions for restoring peace in Manipur.

Two-three days must be allocated for a dedicated discussion on the Manipur crisis before deliberating on the Budget Estimates 2025-26 and Supplementary Demands for Grants 2024-25, said the organisations.

An unconditional ceasefire must be implemented to end violence and foster dialogue, and adequate and necessary security forces must be deployed to ensure National Highways are opened, they added.

Further, humanitarian assistance--adequate relief, healthcare, and rehabilitative activities must reach the displaced population, said the organisations.

As the 7th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, comprising 11 sittings, commences on February 10, Manipur stands at a critical crossroads.

For nearly two years, escalating violence, mass displacement, and a worsening hu- manitarian crisis have pushed the State into turmoil, demanding urgent and responsible action from all stakeholders, said the MIYC and dozen other organisations.

Over 60,000 individuals remain displaced, languishing in poorly managed relief camps lacking basic necessities, healthcare, and sani- tation.

These dire conditions have led to severe health risks and psychological trauma, worsening the plight of the affected communities, they said.

The Government's failure to curb illegal immigration, particularly from Myanmar, has further fuelled tensions.

The unchecked influx of immigrants has disrupted demographic balance and intensified resource competition, escalating the crisis.

Despite repeated calls for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to address this issue, the response has been insufficient, they asserted.

Kuki armed groups have been implicated in violent attacks against civilians, resulting in devastating loss of life and property since May 3, 2023.Their unchecked actions violate human rights and international humanitarian law, yet the absence of effective law enforcement has emboldened them, they added.

The continued failure of both the State and Central Governments to restore stability, implement a comprehensive peace plan, and provide adequate security measures has prolonged the suffering of Manipur's people, the organisations said, calling on the Government to address the Manipur crisis in the Assembly session beginning February 10 .

The organisations also urged CSOs, student bodies, youth organisations, and Meira Paibi movements to unite in demanding a peaceful resolution in the upcoming Manipur Legislative Assembly session.

They also called on the Government to cease "intimidation tactics and the unjust lodging of FIRs against women and Meira Paibi activists" .

The organisations include Committee of Peaceful Coexistence Manipur (CPCM), Meetei/Meitei Tribe Union (MMTU), Federal Students' Organisation Kangleipak (FESOK), United Meitei Pangal Committee (UMPC), Committee on Relief & Rehabilitation (CRR), Kanglei Panas (KP), Yelhoumee Phurup (YP), Apunba Awonba Manipur Amagidamak (AAMA), All India Tanzeeme Insaaf (AITI), Imagi Meira (IM), All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs' Organisation (AMMPACO), Youth Collective Manipur (YCM), Nupi Union For Peace and Integrity (NUPI) and Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) .

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