DMCC questions public safety under PR
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 21 2025: Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee (DMCC) has raised serious concern about safety and security of the Meetei community in Manipur under the President's Rule in the wake of the disappearance of 20-year-old Luwangthem Mukesh of Keishampat Leimajam Leikai.

Despite assurances of peace and normalcy by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the youth remains untraceable after going missing on March 16, near Joujangtek, a Kuki-dominated village.

In a statement, DMCC informed that Mukesh, son of Gyanendra Das, went missing while traveling towards Bishnupur.

CCTV footage showed his car crossing Nambol around 3:15 pm on March 16, and later captured by cameras in Bishnupur at 3:40 pm.

His mobile phone's last known location was traced to Joujangtek, after which he could not be found.

Following a missing complaint filed at the Imphal police station the next day, a massive search operation was launched in Joujangtek and K Sonjang villages by a combined team of Assam Rifles, Manipur police, and CRPF.

However, these efforts have so far failed to locate Mukesh.

DMCC expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in the state, particularly for the Meetei community, which remains confined to the central valley, comprising only 8 per cent of the state's total area of 22,224 square kilometres.

DMCC accused Kuki militants of openly challenging the government's authority and continuing to hold the state hostage while pushing for separatist goals.

The press release highlighted that despite Amit Shah's instructions to ensure free movement on all the roads and restore order by March 8, the situation on the ground remains unchanged.

It pointed out that while the Meetei community responded positively by surrendering arms to the Governor - resulting in 82 per cent of recovered arms coming from Meetei individuals - Kuki militants and civil society organisations have refused to surrender illegal arms.

DMCC further alleged that Kuki armed groups, allegedly backed by central agencies for counter-insurgency operations, have now turned rogue and pose serious threat to regional stability.

Drawing parallels with historical instances, the statement warned that groups initially supported by state or foreign agencies, such as Osama bin Laden and the LTTE, eventually turned against their sponsors.

DMCC cautioned that Kuki militants, despite alleged backing from central agencies, might one day turn against the Indian state.

DMCC demanded immediate intervention, transparency in the investigation, and the safe return of Mukesh.

It called on the Government of India to take decisive action to ensure justice and security for all communities in the state, asking, "How many more lives must be sacrificed before action is taken?" .

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