WMC urges PM to visit state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 29 2024: World Meetei Council (WMC) has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to visit the Manipur and take immediate action to address the ongoing violence.

In the memorandum, the Council highlighted the critical situation in the state and called for the Prime Minister's intervention to restore peace and order.

The memorandum said that the violence in Manipur, which began on May 3, 2023, following attacks by immigrant Chin-Kuki terrorists, has continued unabated for over a year and two months.

Despite the presence of central security forces, including Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and other paramilitary forces, the situation remains dire.

The Union Home Minister had previously stated on June 17 that efforts would be made to bridge the ethnic divide between the Meetei and Kuki communities, yet the violence persists.

The Council expressed concern over the leadership of Chief Minister N Biren, noting that he seems to be at a loss since the beginning of the violence and has often spoken as a Meetei leader, rather than as a chief minister of the state.

This has exacerbated the already volatile situation, causing further harm to the state and its residents, particularly the Meetei community.

The Council emphasised that despite the presence of over 50,000 central security personnel, the violence has not been effectively controlled.

They attributed this to the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement signed between the Government of India, the Manipur government, and the armed immigrant Chin-Kukis.

Although this agreement officially lapsed in February 2024, it appears to still be in effect, rendering the central forces mere spectators.

Manipur has descended into a state of lawlessness, the Council said, while comparing the situation to conflict zones in the Middle East.

They noted that unlike in those regions, where opposing groups at least see one another, the communities in Manipur are completely isolated from each other.

The Council highlighted a significant moment on August 9, 2023, when Amit Shah addressed the Parliament for 32 minutes about Manipur.

However, they expressed disappointment that the Home Minister did not explain why the central forces had been inactive from the beginning, which could have potentially controlled the violence.

In their plea, World Meetei Council urged Prime Minister Modi to visit Manipur personally and demonstrate his commitment to ending the unrest.

They believe that his presence and words could bring peace within 24 hours, as the perpetrators of violence seem to have a good rapport with the Army and Assam Rifles.

The Council also called for abrogation of the SoO Agreement and for the activation of the central forces to restore order in the state.

Regarding the Meetei armed youth defending their families, the Council suggested that once the perpetrators are controlled, the situation will improve quickly.

They requested the Prime Minister to visit Manipur, expressing belief that his visit could mark the beginning of a peaceful way forward for the troubled state.

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