KIM pleas PM to release five held with firearms
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 10 2024: Pointing out that the recent arrest of five Kuki-Zo individuals, including a juvenile, has sparked widespread outrage among the community, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release the five arrested individuals unconditionally "as the arrest is arbitrary and highly partial against the Kuki-Zo people and may trigger protest movements that may be disruptive to effective enforcement of law and order in the region" .

In a letter addressed to PM Modi, KIM president Ch Ajang Khongsai said: "Whilst the Meeteis are openly brandishing sophisticated arms and ammunition without least consequences, the arrest of five Kuki-Zo individuals is a betrayal of the sincerity and commitment towards law enforcement efforts by the government of India.

There is an unequal and discriminatory regime in the hills (where AFSPA is under force) and plains (where it is most needed but lifted)".

Regarding law and order situation, law enforcement agencies must duly consult with the Kuki Inpi Manipur for coordination and cooperation in law enforcement efforts of various government agencies, mentioned the KIM letter, adding that in case of arrest of any Kuki-Zo individual by law enforcement agencies on statutory grounds, the arrested individuals must be handed over to the district police of either Kangpokpi or Churachandpur and must never be taken to the valley districts under any circumstances.

Disapproving the appointment of Meetei army and police officers as operational commanders "due to documented cases of biased conduct detrimental to the rights of the Kuki-Zo people," Kuki Inpi Manipur further stated that "the home-posting of almost all Meetei officers in armed forces who are relentless to terrorise the Kuki-Zo people is greatly disquieting to the community".

Ajang also maintained that the violence in Manipur, which has persisted for more than a year, has had adverse and devastating effects on the Kuki-Zo people.

The exploitation of state machinery against the Kuki-Zo people grossly contravenes constitutional values and principles, he denounced, while stating that the repeated targeting, arson attacks, and unwarranted arrests have highlighted the systemic failure to protect Kuki lives and properties.

Establishing a distinct administration would ensure the protection of their rights, foster a sense of security, and pave the way for harmonious coexistence by addressing the unique needs and aspirations of the Kuki people, proposed the president and appealed to expedite the on-going political dialogue with the Kuki-Zo SoO groups for lasting peace and stability in the region, and to safeguard the rights and privileges of the Kuki-Zo people as equal citizens of the country.

Contrary to the KIM missive to the PM seeking unconditional release, daily update on the Manipur situation issued by police control room late Tuesday evening said that five persons were arrested with arms and cautioned all concerned against levelling baseless charges.

Informing that joint team arrested five individuals, three from Hengjol village in Kangpokpi district and two from Phaitol village in Tamenglong district on Monday and Tuesday along with recovery of firearms, among items, from their possession, the statement specified that Manipur police and CRPF launched operation at L Hengjol village under New Keithelmanbi police station in Kangpokpi district around 3:30 am on the basis of intelligence shared by the NIA, during which there was exchange of firing between the security forces and armed militants.

During the operations, three individuals, namely, Thangjoel Haokip alias Thangboi, Jangjoulen Khongsai alias Goulen and Jangminlun Singson alias Franky, who are cadres of an underground outfit, were arrested.

The arrested cadres are suspected to be involved in various criminal incidents in recent past, it mentioned.

Two AK rifles, one MA1 MK-3 rifle, one SBBL and 1,382 rounds of assorted ammunition were recovered in the operation.

The arrested cadres and seized arms and ammunitions have been handed over to NIA for necessary legal action, it added, while clarifying that security forces exercised maximum restraint in the conduct of the operation and acted in self-defence when they were fired upon by armed militants and obstructed by the civilians.

Moreover, security forces arrested two individuals identified as Lunjakap Guite and Kaplal Singson from Phaitol village, Tamenglong district and recovered from their possession, two SBBL guns, one .303 rifle and one Pumpi bomb.

It further pointed out that various unfounded allegations and inciting messages regarding the conduct of the operation are doing the rounds on social media and appealed to stop propagation of such fake messages.

Postings of such baseless allegation against the security forces and wrongly inciting the public on social media will face legal action, it cautioned.

The police further appealed to the public not to believe in rumours and be aware of false videos.

Any circulation of unfounded videos, etc., may be confirmed from the rumour free number 9233522822 of Central Control room, it added.

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