Urgent Appeal to PM Narendra Modi for Decisive Action
- September 10th, 2024 :: Manipuri Meitei Association, Bengaluru (MMAB) -

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To,
Shri Narendra Modi Ji,
Honorable Prime Minister of India,
152, South Block, Raisina Hill
New Delhi – 110001, India

Respected Shri Modi Ji,

Subject: Urgent Appeal for Decisive Action Against Escalating Kuki Militant’s Aggression in Manipur and Safeguarding National Integrity and Public Security

Since the outbreak of violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023, the Manipuri Meitei Association, Bengaluru (MMAB) has consistently emphasized that this conflict is not about the legitimate demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the indigenous Meitei people. Instead, it is driven by a premeditated agenda by Kuki militants to establish a separate administration and an independent nation for the Kuki people, known as Zelangam. The scale, speed, and severity of the violence suggest both premeditation and possible external orchestration.

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has also highlighted the involvement of external forces aiming to establish a Christian nation carved out of Myanmar, Bangladesh, and parts of Northeast India—a goal that aligns with the Kuki militants' objectives.

Over time, the truth has become clearer, with more people, including media outlets, recognizing the reality. This violence was never about religion or ethnic conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities; it was always about Kuki militants, backed by external agencies, waging war against India. The Meitei community has been defending not only their people but also the territorial integrity of India.

Historically, they have been the first line of defense against external aggression and have been cultural bearers of India for over 4,000 years, as referenced in the epic of the Mahabharata. The Meitei are one of the few indigenous communities that have preserved their traditional culture. However, in recent decades, many Meitei have begun adopting Christianity, primarily due to poverty.

This violence could further accelerate the rate of conversion to Christianity over the next 2-3 years, as many welfare services are provided through missionaries. Such a trend would contribute to the effort to transform Manipur into a Christian state, which would be a significant setback for the indigenous people, their traditions, and their culture.

MMAB urgently brings to the attention of the Honorable Prime Minister the recent escalation of violence and the nefarious plans of Kuki militants, supported by external actors, which threaten to prolong the conflict and create national and internal security risks. This strategy appears to be aimed at diverting our military resources and undermining the development focus that you, Prime Minister, have envisioned through the Act East Policy.

Specific concerns include:

1. Water Contamination: - Kuki militants contaminating water sources relied upon by civilians.

2. Blockades of National Highways: - Prolonged blockades of national highways, cutting off Manipur from the rest of India for over 16 months.

3. Military-Grade Weaponry of Foreign Technology: The deployment of military-grade drones and missiles targeting civilians and sacred sites, such as the missile attack on the house of M. Koireng, the first Chief Minister of Manipur and an Indian freedom fighter, represents an attack on the spirit of Indian freedom fighters. This attack, occurring just meters away from the Indian National Army memorial featuring a statue of Subhas Chandra Bose, revered by many Indians and the Meitei community, represents an affront to the spirit of Indian freedom fighters, including Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

These developments are deeply concerning and cannot be allowed to continue. The involvement of Kuki militants in such acts sets a dangerous precedent, potentially encouraging similar tactics in other conflict zones in India, such as Jammu & Kashmir and Naxal-affected areas. India cannot afford to appear weak in the face of such aggression.

The central government must take decisive action to support Manipur, the Meitei community, and the Indian nation in combating these antinational elements. MMAB along with Meitei Alliance respectfully appeals to the Central Government of India and Government of Manipur to take the following actions:

1. Abrogation of Suspension of Operation Agreement with Kuki Militants: Promptly and decisive act against armed Kuki militants, who are attacking Indian citizens and terrorizing innocents with external support.

2. Integrity of Manipur and India must be protected: No negotiation should be undertaken with any Kuki militant groups that have been waging war against India and terrorizing innocent civilians. Caving to their illegitimate demands would set a dangerous precedent, undermining the integrity of Manipur and potentially leading to the division of India for the formation of Zelangam, thereby dividing the nation along communal lines .

3. Protection of National Highways: Ensure the protection and unimpeded movement on National Highway-37 to Imphal, which is vital for the state's connectivity.

4. Independent Judicial Inquiry: Investigate and prosecute Kuki leaders and militant groups like KNF, UPF, and KNO, who have been instigating and waging war against Indian state and terrorizing innocent citizens and whose involvement in bomb and missile-making has been admitted in national media. Ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law, especially those of Kuk leaders of Myanmar origin who have been demanding separate administration.

5. Reconstruction and Resettlement: Provide assistance in rebuilding homes for affected families and support the resettlement of displaced individuals, ensuring they are protected from potential exploitation by external forces. This will also help prevent poverty and loss of livelihood from compelling people to adopt other religions, thereby preserving the cultural and traditional identity of the community.

6. National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Census Implementation: Implement the NRC and conduct a comprehensive census with physical verification to address illegal immigration issues.

7. Strengthening Border Security: Properly demarcate and secure international borders with necessary fences and mechanisms to prevent illegal immigration.

8. Constitutional Protection for Meitei: Grant constitutional protection and Scheduled Tribe status to the indigenous Meitei community to safeguard their rights and representation.

9. Understand the people’s sentiment: The ongoing peace protest led by students and Meira Paibis is a powerful expression of the community's deep frustration and urgency. They are calling for decisive action against Kuki militants, whom they hold responsible for waging war against the Indian state and terrorizing innocent citizens, resulting in the tragic loss of many precious lives.

The protesters strongly believe that their voices must be heard, expecting the government to respond to their suffering with the seriousness and urgency it demands. There is a profound sense of disillusionment among the youth, who feel they have lost hope and are in dire need of guidance and reassurance. It is crucial that their concerns are acknowledged and addressed with respect and empathy.

By listening to their voices and taking meaningful action, the government has an opportunity not only to resolve the immediate crisis but also to build a foundation for enduring peace and stability in the region.

MMAB and Meitei Alliance believe these measures are critical to restoring normalcy in Manipur and ensuring the security and integrity of the region. MMAB & Meitei Alliance remains committed to peace and the development of Manipur and the Northeast of India, and we urge the government to prioritize these actions for the well-being of all citizens.

Yours’s Sincerely

MMAB President
Maj Rajkumar Jhaljit Singh (Retd.)

MMAB General Secretary
Nongthombam John Singh

Copy To
1. Shri Laxman Prasad Acharya,
Governor of Manipur

2. Shri N. Biren Singh
Chief Minister of Manipur