State forces could contain violence: K Meghachandra
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 23 2023:
The ongoing violence in Manipur could had been contained by the 34,000 state forces alone had orders been issued to use necessary power instead of bringing in additional central forces, opined MPCC president K Meghachandra.
He also questioned the policy of state and Central governments on the continuing violence.
K Meghachandra told media persons at his official residence at Babupara on Sunday that is the state government had the political will it could end the ongoing violence.
Containing the violence is nothing if all the personnel of state force like police, Manipur Rifles and India Reserve Battalion deployed in different districts are given full power, Meghachandra said and wondered as to where the 60,000 Central forces sent to the state to contain the violence had gone.
Instead of rushing into conflict zones and joining the fight courageously, security forces are infatuated with firing tear gas and stun grenades on innocent elderly women protesting on roadsides, K Meghachandra said and accused the present government of destroying history, culture, administration, economy and education of the land.
Who will take moral responsibility for the destruction caused, he questioned further and expressed fear that social crime will increase in the coming years if armed attacks intended to disrupt agricultural activities particularly in peripheral valley areas continue.
When he visited the state, Union home minister Amit Shah promised to contain the violence but the double engine BJP government has failed now as Centre's engine had gone to one direction and state's in completely opposite direction.
People across the globe acclaim exceptional talent of the state's youth and cultural riches of Manipur but all that have gone now with surfacing of the viral video.
However, it would be wrong to put blame to the people and govern ment should hold responsibility for the entire incident, he said and asked if elected representatives have forgotten their responsibility.
While asserting that the state will continue to face one issue after another till the government works with sincerity, K Meghachandra said a student of TG higher secondary school and one youth from Patsoi could not be traced since July 6 .
When their mobile phones were tracked, there is report of a person belonging to Kuki community possessing one of the mobile phones, he said and asked as to why government is not taking action in war-footing to save the students.
He also asked if the government
is waiting for agitation from students on the matter.
The MPCC president further alleged that the present government has no concrete policy or solution to end the violence while ruling MLAs are joining street protests.
Expressing concern over Meetei people working in Mizoram beginning to flee the neighbouring state, Meghachandra said this is not a good sign as Mizoram CM Zoramthanga has been siding with Kukis from the beginning of the crisis.
He also said that state govern ment must take immediate steps to ensure security and safety of Meetei people living in Mizoram.