NPP condemns Assam Rifles' "excessive use of force"
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 10 2023:
Strongly condemning the Assam Rifles' brutal assault on civilians at Pallel on Friday which killed two persons and injured many, the National People's Party has urged the Government to take up sincere efforts to end the present violent conflict between communities.
At the office of the NPP at Naoremthong, the party's National vice president, Y Joykumar said even after four month, the Government has not done enough to restore normalcy, and there is no sign of peace returning anytime soon.
Speaking on the incident at Pallel, the former Deputy Chief Minister said the use of excessive force by the Assam Rifles against civilians was uncalled for and highly condemnable.
The Assam Rifles, who are here to protect the civilians, have pointed their guns at people and fired at them, he said.
On the many allegations of being biased that have been levelled against the Assam Rifles, former DGP Y Joykumar said it was the Assam Rifles that initiated the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with Kuki militant groups.
Before the State Government was even informed, the Assam Rifles had an agreed understanding with the Kuki militants exercising ceasefire, he said.
When the State Government came to know about this understanding, it had questioned the AR.
The matter reached the Ministry of Home Affairs, and eventually SoO was signed between the Government and the Kuki militant groups in 2008, he said.
However, under the protection of SoO, the Kuki militants since May 3 have opened fire at Meitei civilians and burnt hundreds of houses.
They have added more fuel to the conflict, he said.
On the other hand, allegations have been levelled against the State police of taking the side of the Meiteis.
However, this is not true.
The State police are professionals, said the former DGP.
Recently, the State force's entry to Moreh was blocked by Kukis.
The State force is there to enforce rule of law.
The State Government should take up actions against those who obstruct the State police from discharging their duty, he said.
He emphasised that amid the present crisis, the State police should be given additional power to control violence and help restore normalcy.
The rule of law should be enforced uniformly, he added.
Y Joykumar continued that the violence has dragged on and it is time for the Government and all the people and civil organisations to take up sincere efforts to bring peace.
The Central Government should no longer ignore the Manipur crisis.
It should hold proper discussion in the Parliament to restore peace and bring peace, he said.
Speaking of the troubles in the periphery areas of the valley, Y Joykumar said hills well within the valley region should be brought under its fold.
Giving examples, he said Langol hill, Sadar Hills should be brought under the Imphal West.