AMUCO urges PM Modi to resolve crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 07 2023:
All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to save integrity of Manipur and resolve the present violent crisis.
In the memorandum submitted through Manipur governor Anusuiya Uikey on Wednesday, AMUCO said the recent resurgence of violence and turmoil in Manipur that commenced on May 3 following the Tribal Solidarity rally in Churachandpur has disrupted relative peace of the state.
The catalyst for the unfortunate turn of events, however, was initiation of governance-positive initiatives taken up by the Government of Manipur like the 'War on Drugs', eviction of illegal encroachers from reserved forest area and detection of illegal immigrants.
Regrettably, these constitutional initiatives were perceived as anti-Kuki by the ethno-centric militant organisations representing the Kuki-Zo community and supporters as the initiatives impede their interests.
Consequently, the ongoing violence can be traced back to unfortunate manifestation of ethnic jingoism rooted in the ethno exclusivist political aspirations of of the Kuki-Zo community, AMUCO said.
While stating that a collective political aspiration coupled with its unimpeded implementation is the only viable solution to the present conflict and violence, AMUCO put up eights demands to the PMO through the memorandum with the aim of restoring normalcy and establishing long-lasting peace in Manipur.
The first and foremost demand put up by AMUCO is immediate cessation of all forms of armed violence to halt the ongoing bloodshed and suffering.
Initiation of a comprehensive peace process alongside the implementation of measures to rehabilitate and support internally displaced persons affected by the recent violence was the second demand AMUCO.
AMUCO also demanded amendment of Article 3 of the Indian Constitution by inserting a clause to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur and to provide legal protection against future attempts at division.
AMUCO also demanded immediate implementation of National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur to identify and address the issue of illegal immigrants, thereby ensuring the state's security.
Through the memorandum, AMUCO also demanded cessation of the formation of ethnic-centric political units based on ethnic boundaries including any form of separate administration, dismantling of Kangpokpi district (formerly SADAR Hills) and reorganisation of Bishnupur district.
It also suggested the PMO to create Special Administrative Zones namely Moreh special administrative zone and Beihang special administrative zone.
Another demand AMUCO put up to the PMO was strengthen ing of the Manipur State Darbar Resolution of 1932 to protect and conserve community and reserve forests and to promote environmental sustainability.
The eighth demand that AMUCO put up to the PMO is eradication of Narco-trade and poppy cultivation in Manipur and addressing the root causes of these issues.
Delving into the rationale and explanation of the demands, AMUCO also provided a brief overview of Manipur s modem political history highlighting its secular, democratic and pluralistic character that prevailed before its merger with the Dominion of India in October 1949 .
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