Call to arrest Kuki MLAs rung out
Source: Chronicle News Service

Thoubal, January 07 2025: Human rights advocate Modhuchandra Khaidem stated that the 10 Kuki MLAs supporting armed Kuki militants in their demand for a separate administration and contributing to the state's escalating violence should be prosecuted and punished under the Arms Act.

Addressing media persons at his Thoubal Athokpam residence, here, on Tuesday, Modhuchandra lamented that both the central and state governments have failed to initiate discussions on finding an amicable solution to the ongoing crisis in Manipur, which is urgently needed.

He also pointed out that the government has failed to initiate investigation into the Kaladan Project and its impact on Manipur, as well as the role of armed Kuki militants abetting the unrest situation.

Human rights advocate Modhuchandra Khaidem

Coming down on the government for failing to investigate the 10 Kuki MLAs who are supporting armed Kuki militants - whom chief minister N Biren Singh labelled as "terrorists" - in their demand for a separate administration, he said that they should be prosecuted under the Arms Act rather than being handled under the 10th Schedule, insisting that they must be arrested.

The advocate also ques tioned the announcement made by MAHUD minister Y Khemchand, stating that while large sums have been allocated for constructing houses for 7,000 IDPs sheltering in relief camps, it remains unclear whether these houses will be built in their original locations.

He further noted that with the swearing-in of the 19th Governor of Manipur, the first task announced was a review of the security arrangements.

However, he expressed concern over the fact that the review was conducted without the participation of the chief minister, who is responsible for the Home portfolio.

The public should be informed whether the Governor has been officially given charge of the Home department.

Khaidem also raised questions about the Governor s instructions to the DGP to arrest individuals in possession of arms and charge them under the NSA, asking "whether the directive targets the Kuki militants, who are waging war in the state, or the village volunteers, who are defending their communities from attacks by Kuki militant".

He pointed out that, to date, there have been no reports of Kuki militants, who are attacking Meetei villages in the valley, being arrested.

However, there have been numerous reports of arrest of village volunteers in the plains.

He also claimed that armed militants are openly roaming in Churachandpur and defiled the Indian flag during Republic Day celebrations, yet no action has been taken against them.

Citing the recent attack on the Kangpokpi SP s office by Kuki individuals, including armed militants, during which the SP was injured, he decried inaction on the part of the district police to apprehend those responsible for the acts till date.

He then called for clarification from the SP regarding the incident, urging transparency for the public.