Governor's appeal not practical, 7-day time-frame too short, says COCOMI Women Front
Authorities must first talk and reach an understanding with village volunteers, says RK Tharaksana
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 23 2025: The 7-day time-frame given by the Governor for surrendering weapons is unrealistic, said COCOMI Women Front convenor RK Tharaksana today.

The Governor has urged village volunteers to surrender weapons within 7 day, but the time-frame he has given is too short and impractical, she said, addressing media persons at COCOMI's office at Lamphelpat.

While the Governor's appeal to surrender weapons is proper, the time-frame given is too short and it lacks a proper policy or approach, she asserted.

She said the State authorities must first talk with village volunteers and the public and streamline a practical policy for surrendering the weapons, she said.

There were no village volunteers before May 3, 2023.They were forced to take up arms to protect their people and villages, she added.

A dialogue for an understanding between village volunteers and State/Centre authorities may take time.

As such, more time must be given to effect the surrender of weapons, she asserted.

Before an understanding is reached with the village volunteers, security forces must not act hastily and pursue and arrest them.

The rapid crackdown now on village volunteers has caused confusion and alarmed the public, she said.

While giving more time, the Centre should lift President's Rule from Manipur and form a stable Government, she said.

The State being put under suspended animation despite the BJP enjoying absolute majority is a reflection of internal dispute and fight for position, she said.

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