Meetei body urges Governor for unbiased law enforcement
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 24 2025: Meitei Alliance has submitted a memorandum to the Governor urging for unbiased law enforcement to restore public confidence and ensure lasting peace in the state.

While acknowledging the efforts of the administration, including the recent 7-day amnesty for the return of arms, the Alliance emphasised that impartial action by security forces is essential to rebuild trust among the people.

The memorandum highlighted the importance of understanding the root causes that compelled citizens to take up arms and the need to create conditions that would encourage voluntary surrender.

It stressed that security forces must act with complete neutrality, addressing the concerns of all communities equally to demonstrate the government's commitment to justice.

Raising concerns over the widespread possession of arms and ammunition by various groups across the state, the Meitei Alliance pointed out that the first recorded use of automatic weapons during the ongoing violence occurred on May 3, 2023, at a so-called "peace rally" by Kuki groups in Churachandpur.

The Alliance then called for identification and prosecution of the two militants who openly brandished assault rifles during that rally, while noting that allowing such acts to go unpunished would only deepen public scepticism toward the government and security forces.

The memorandum also stated that for genuine peace to be restored, citizens must feel secure under the protection of the security forces.

The failure of these forces to prevent attacks left many with no option but to arm themselves to defend their families and safeguard the integrity of the state from external aggression, the Alliance said and emphasised that no village should continue living in fear of attacks by Kuki militants.

While appreciating the government's effort to recover firearms, the Alliance insisted that such measures should be applied uniformly across all groups, including those under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement.

Relocating SoO militant camps deep into the hills, away from national highways and public settlements areas, was proposed as a step toward restoring public trust.

The Alliance also called for the prompt resettlement of displaced individuals in their -native homes and villages, while urging decisive action against militant groups terrorising civilians and blocking the national highways.

It highlighted the need for fairness and accountability, starting with action against those responsible for provoking the armed violence on May 3.The memorandum outlined the heed to dismantle artificial buffer zones that separate communities, stating that these barriers empower divisive forces and hinder reconciliation.

It also raised concern over the toll on children's well-being, as the ongoing violence has negatively impacted their physical, emotional, educational, and psychological development.

At the same time, the Alliance proposed securing the future of Village Defence Force (VDF) youths who took up arms in the absence of security forces and suggested constitution of a specialised unit, such as a highway protection force, to utilise their Skills while addressing critical security needs.

Ensuring the safety of national highways was also stressed, with the Alliance demanding an end to blockades and the unrestricted movement of goods and people to stabilise the economy and uphold citizens' fundamental rights.

The Meitei Alliance also urged the Governor to take decisive action and reaffirmed its commitment to assist in achieving justice, security, and peace in the state.

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