CoTU urges Amit Shah to pull out police from Moreh
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kangpokpi, November 03 2023:
Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district submitted a representation to the union home minister through the Kangpokpi DC expressing concern over the ongoing situation at Moreh town in Tengnoupal district.
CoTU and KSO GHQ called a 48-hour shutdown in the district in protest against the deployment of state police in the border town.
The two bodies contended that deployment of state police in the economic zone of the state is akin to forceful occupation.
Leaders of CoTU, representing Kuki-Zo people from Kangpokpi, marched to the DC's office and submitted the representation on the second day of the shutdown on Friday.
CoTU general secretary Lamminlun Singsit alleged that deployment of state police in the border town is part of the CM's design to provide safe haven to Meetei insurgent groups from Myanmar, who are pursuing separation from the country.
Lamminlun also accused state police of indulging in violent activities, such as vandalism, loot and burning vehicles.
He urged the union home minister to prosecute the state police personnel deployed in Moreh, ensure withdrawal of Meetei insurgents and Meetei police officers, and entrust central forces for maintaining law and order in Kuki-Zo areas.
CoTU's representation further alleged presence of Meetei combatants disguised as state force and expressed that their presence resulted in escalation of violence while urging the union home minister to take immediate humanitarian action.
The representation maintained that repeated looting of arms and ammunition from the state armoury in Manipur suggests support from the political class.
The latest incident occurred on November 1 at the 1st Manipur Rifles armoury, following a social media post by Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba Leisemba.
Three CRPF personnel were injured in the attack, and assault rifles and ammunition were confiscated, the CoTU representation alleged further.
CoTU also accused CM Biren and Sanajaoba Leisemba of directly commanding Meetei groups in the valley and alleged that they oversee the arms and ammunition looting, directing Meetei police Officers to cooperate with the attacks.
Alleging Meira Paibis of concealing loopholes among the bureaucracy and political class, the committee called for 4 special investigation monitored by the courts to ensure those involved are held accountable.
The representation reminded the union home minister of his promise to remove all Meetei state forces from Moreh and replace them with neutral central forces during his visit to Moreh on May 31.The committee suggested that the security advisor and the Governor play their part in making this assurance a reality, to prevent further aggression by Meetei insurgents.
CoTU alleged that the ongoing conflict is a communal issue supported by the state, which has compromised most state machineries.
They called for impartial policies, such as installation of a helipad in Kangpokpi immediately, with an airway connecting Churachandpur and Moreh to aid emergency travellers and ease the burdens they face.