Welcomes Arambai Tenggol's Initiative for Peace in Manipur
- 3rd March, 2025 :: Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee (DMCC) -

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The Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee (DMCC) welcomes and appreciates the bold step taken by Arambai Tenggol in voluntarily handing over looted arms and ammunition to the Governor of Manipur on February 27, 2025. This decision follows the Governor’s assurance of restoring peace in the state and reflects the Meetei community’s commitment to peace and stability in Manipur.

Root Cause of the Manipur Violence

The ongoing violence in Manipur stems from the ethnocentric politics pursued by Kuki separatist groups, which seek to fracture the state’s multiethnic identity and history. Manipur, like any modern state, has the right and responsibility to uphold its multiethnic character. However, the exclusive ethnicity-based politics of Kuki militant groups is outdated and divisive.

The current unrest was triggered by Kuki militants on May 3, 2023, when they launched coordinated attacks on Meetei villages, houses, and establishments in Kuki-majority districts, including Torbung (Bishnupur district), Churachandpur, Ekou (Kangpokpi district), and Moreh (Tengnoupal district). On the first day of violence alone, over 800 Meetei homes were burned down, and a Meetei mother was brutally gang-raped by five armed Kuki militants in Churachandpur district.

Failure of Security Forces and the Consequence of Arms Looting

Despite the large-scale violence against Meeteis on May 3, 2023, state security forces—including the Manipur Police, paramilitary forces, and the Indian Army—failed to intervene to protect lives and properties. This lack of action is not surprising, as Kuki armed militants have long been shielded under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Government of India.

In response to these attacks, Meetei youths were compelled to take extreme steps in self-defense against heavily armed Kuki militants, given the absence of protection from state and central security forces. Reports indicate that the looting of arms on May 4, 2023, and thereafter was a direct consequence of the security forces’ failure to safeguard the Meetei community.

Meeteis Are Now Coming Forward for Peace

With the Governor under President’s Rule assuring the protection of Manipur and further attacks on the Meetei people will not be tolerated, Arambai Tenggol has taken a major step toward peace by voluntarily handed over looted weapons to the authorities. Now, the responsibility of ensuring the security of the Meetei community rests entirely with the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Any future attacks on the Meetei people—whether through a single gunshot or large-scale violence—will hold the Prime Minister of India accountable.

Demands for Transparency and Action

At this critical juncture, we seek clarity from the Governor of Manipur on the following points:
1. How many Kuki armed groups have surrendered their weapons to the Governor of Manipur?
2. What actions will be taken against Kuki armed groups that refuse to disarm?
3. Is the extension of time merely a tactic to delay action against Kuki armed groups that continue to defy the Governor’s call for peace?

Issued by:
Media Coordinator,
Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee (DMCC)