NIPCO sees red as ITLF, CoTU bat for AFSPA
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 13 2023:
National Identity Protection Council (NIPCO) has rejected the demand of ITLF and CoTU for re-imposing AFSPA in the valley areas of the state.
Speaking during the 23rd foundation day function of the Council held at Manipur Press Club, here on Wednesday, NIPCO president Oinam Premjit expressed resentment over failure of the Central and state governments to contain the ethnic violence and persistent attacks at the foothill villages by Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists.
He said that the demand for re-imposing AFSPA in the valley areas as raised by ITLF and CoTU is unacceptable and lacks justification.
Premjit alleged that Assam Rifles is acting in biased manner against the Meiteis but supporting the Kuki militants bound by the SoO agreement, who keep attacking foothill villages.
He demanded the government to withdraw central security forces if they cannot restore peace but at the same time called for peace, tranquillity and a harmonious society on the occasion of NIPCO foundation day.
As the violence has crossed four months, women are spending sleepless nights on the streets whereas government has not be able to control the violence and initiate measures for resettlement of the displaced people, he said.
The president also demanded the government to pay compensation to the displaced families and provide assistance to poor labourers, and also to bring an amicable solution, which will not threaten the state's territory and integrity.
A two-minute silence was also observed in memory of those killed in the on going crisis.
UPF president Nongthombam Rupachandra, CADA president Hijam Priyokumar, MAPI Council president KC Romeo attended the event as presidium members.
Earlier, while delivering the keynote address, NIPCO general secretary Siraj Nongyaimayuin said that the people of Manipur should know that the fate and future of the state lies in their own hands and no external forces will come to their rescue.