JUC pleads Rahul to help restore peace
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 08 2024: Jiri United Committee (JUC), an apex body of civil society organisations, student bodies, and Meira Paibi Lups of Jiribam, submitted a memorandum to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seeking his intervention in the restoration of peace in Jiribam and the state.

During his maiden visit to the border district on Monday, JUC extended warm welcome to Rahul Gandhi and commended his efforts to address the current issues of the state in the last parliament session.

The memorandum outlined the situation in Jiribam district, which had maintained peace and tranquillity for over a year, despite incidents of violence against Meeteis in other parts of the state since May 3 last year.

The people of Jiribam managed to live peacefully, controlling their emotions and maintaining harmony until June 5 this year.

However, violence erupted in Jiribam on June 6, 2024, following the brutal murder of a Meetei named S Saratkumar of Gularthol, by Kuki militant groups on the same day.

JUC attributed this incident to lack of proper security measures by the government.

In light of the current turmoil and chaotic situation in Jiribam, JUC underscored the need for Rahul Gandhi to raise certain points on behalf of the people of Jiribam district and Manipur state in the upcoming parliament sessions or other competent forums for restoring peace and normalcy as the opposition leader in the Lok Sabha.

JUC emphasised the importance of taking serious and effective steps to restore peace and normalcy in the state in general and Jiribam in particular as early as possible.

It also called for implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur with 1951 as the base year to protect the indigenous people of Manipur and maintain a balanced demographic structure in the state.

Furthermore, JUC advocated abrogation of the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement signed between the Central and state governments and Kuki armed groups.

It accused Kuki outfits of violating the ground rules of SoO agreements by collaborating with armed illegal Kuki immigrant groups during the current crisis in the state for the past 14 months.

The memorandum also highlighted the need for rehabilitation of internally displaced persons by reconstructing their destroyed houses in their respective places, ensuring safety and security.

Additionally, JUC called for upgrade of the 50-bedded hospital/Community Health Centre (CHC) in Jiribam, located at Ningshingkhul, to a full-fledged and well-equipped district hospital.

The Committee concluded its memorandum by expressing gratitude to Rahul Gandhi for raising his voice in the interest of the people of Jiribam district and the state, and hoped for his continuous support in restoring peace and normalcy in the state.

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