WMC writes to PM seeking abrogation of SoO pact, revocation of AFSPA
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 16 2024: With the killing of three women and three children including an infant by Chin Kuki militants triggering a fresh wave of protests across Manipur, the World Meetei Council (WMC) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to abrogate the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact signed with Kuki militant groups and designate them as terrorist organisations.

WMC, in a statement signed by its chairman Heigrujam Nabashyam, also demanded revocation of AFSPA from areas under the jurisdiction of six police stations where the legislation was reimposed and change of leadership in Manipur to restore normalcy in the State.

Expressing distress and anguish over the tragic and brutal killing of the six hostages including infants of eight month and another two children aged 2 and 8 by 'Chin-Kuki terrorists', the council added that these innocent people were killed in the most heinous and barbaric manner.

Saying that the reimposition of AFSPA in the five areas which are predominantly inhabited by the Meetei community has aggravated the suffering of the people, WMC reasoned that there, however, has been no recorded case of violence against security forces in Meetei majority districts.

The council said that reimposition of AFSPA is unacceptable and warrants urgent reconsideration.

In the statement, WMC listed five demands viz immediate abrogation of SoO agreement, action against Chin-Kuki terrorists, revocation of AFSPA, designation of Chin-Kuki militant groups as terrorist organisations and a change of leadership in Manipur.

SoO agreement

WMC said that the Chin-Kuki terrorists are exploiting the SoO pact signed with the Government to perpetuate violence and disrupt peace in Manipur and as such the pact must be abrogated immediately Action against Chin-Kuki terrorists.

The council said that the army and paramilitary force deployed in Manipur should be directed to take decisive action against Chin-Kuki terrorists who are exploiting the SoO pact to attack Meetei villages.

Revocation of AFSPA

Reimposition of AFSPA, the inhumane act will only exacerbate the suffering of innocent civilians and doesn't serve any purpose to restore normalcy, WMC contended.

Designate Chin-Kuki groups as terrorist organisations

WMC maintained that designating Chin-Kuki militant groups as terrorist organisations will facilitate stronger countermeasure to stop their violent and ferocious activities and ensure accountability.

Change of leadership

The ongoing violence in Manipur has been exacerbated by the abject inefficiency of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and as such change of leadership will greatly contribute to restoring normalcy in Manipur, it said.

Comment