No electioneering amid conflict: Committee
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 17 2024:
Stating that no one is allowed to bring up the matter of elections amidst the prevailing situation in the state, Khwairamband Ima Keithel Joint Co-ordinating Committee has warned that anyone found indulging in election-related activities including political campaigns will be taught a lesson by the people by shaving off their heads.
In a press meet held at Manipur Press Club, here, on Saturday, Committee convenor Laishram Memma remarked that the present situation in Manipur is far more serious than during the time of the Seven Years' Devastation.
However, both the central and state governments remain oblivious to it and have begun making preparations for the upcoming Look Sabha polls.
She said that until the government teaches a lesson to the Kuki militants and restore peace and normalcy, any shadow of the election should not fall in the state.
Terming as disheartening that elected leadets are keen to secure their seats of power and showing enthusiasm for the upcoming the election but not for protecting the integrity of Manipur, Memma expressed that the people need to realise the hidden agenda behind the silence of the central and state governments with regard to the protest in Churachandpur for removal of the SP and DC concerned over suspension of a head constable of the district police.
If the government s decision is right, people would support it, otherwise it needs to be corrected, she said.
Memma further observed that the government is swift in taking action in the valley but seems to have no power in the hills.
The hypocrisy in awarding punishments for breaking the law is highly condemnable, she added.
She said that if this is to continue any longer, then the ministers/MLAs should send out their wards to defend the state as it will put an end to grabbing of arms and ammunition.
Enforcing law in the valley but allowing anarchy to be rampant in the hills will not be acceptable.
As such, she demanded strict legal action be taken up against those who vandalised government offices, while questioning why no additional central forces have been despatched to Churachandpur till date.
Questioning if the central forces, who have been deployed in Manipur since the conflict began, are meant for guarding the Kukis and standing by to all the latter's activities, Memma demanded the PM and the state government to state clearly the reason for deploying the central forces in the state.
If no response can be given, then no action should be taken up against the village volunteers.
The mothers are ready to give an exact response in case of failing to do so, she cautioned, while demanding unconditional release of the village volunteers arrested on charges of grabbing arms.