Bodies decry arrest of village volunteers, search Ops
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 26 2024:
Various organisations and women groups decried arrest of village volunteers rather than resolving the present crisis and has urged government authorities cease conduct of search operations in the valley areas.
All Manipur Women's Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj) president Thokchom Ramani cautioned that meira paibis will launch intense agitations if security forces continue to arrest village volunteers.
Speaking during the 48th foundation day of Nupi Samaj jointly organised by Nupi Samaj and Star Volunteer Corps at Heirangoithong community hall, Ramani recounted that Nupi Samaj was initially established as a drug and alcohol prohibition body in Heirangoithong to address the effects of substance abuse and crimes against women perpetrated by men.
Later, on the advice of former under-secretary Moirangthem Biramangol, the name was changed to All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj to reflect its broader role in protecting and shaping society.
Criticising the state and central governments for their inability to resolve the humanitarian crisis, she said that the central government does not care for Manipur.
The central forces are remaining silent and passively observing the conflict as if it were a film, while village volunteers defending Manipur from attacks by armed Kuki militants are being pursued for arrest.
She called for an immediate halt to such actions by the authorities and stated that any resulting incidents would be the sole responsibility of the present government.
The function was also attended by Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) president Lourembam Nganbi Leima, All Manipur Tammi-Chingmee Apunba Nupi Lup president Yambem Momon Leima, Langthabal Kendra Meira Paibi Coordinating Committee president Moirangthem Ibecha Leima and Heirangoithong Women's Social Cultural Development Association vice president Thounaojam Binasakhi Leima.
The attendees observed a two-minute silence and offered floral tributes to the photographs of deceased members of Nupi Samaj as a mark of respect.
On Tuesday, the Village Protection Committee, formed jointly by Lamsang Nagar Panchayat, Phumlou, Mayang Langjing, Kadangband, and Khonghampat Gram Panchayat, submitted a memorandum to Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey urging her to refrain from arresting village volunteers who are safeguarding their villages during this time of crisis in the state and to stop search operations in the valley areas.
The memorandum pointed out that as the central and state forces are unable to control the crisis lingering since May 3 last year, the village volunteers have come out to protect the life and property of the people and save Manipur from attacks by armed Kuki narco-terrorists.
Therefore, arrest of village volunteers and conducting operations in the valley districts is not acceptable.
It also asserted that there is no need to discuss the demand for separate administration and union territory of the Kukis.