AMUCO, others express concern over fresh violence
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 08 2025: Expressing concern over fresh violence engulfing the valley districts of Manipur, the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), Poirei Leimarol Meirapaibi Apunba Manipur (PLAMPAM), All Manipur Women's Voluntary Organisation (AMAWOVA), Committee on Human Rights (COHR) and Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) have urged the people to serve the interest of Manipur with vigilance.

The five organisations, in a statement issued by its convenor Pratap Leishangthem, alleged that the Government of India has implemented policies that keep the State's residents in a state of tension instead of working towards lasting normalcy in Manipur and arresting leaders of Arambai Tanggol (AT) last night exemplifies it.

The organisations stated that AT leaders and volunteers were at the forefront, providing humanitarian assistance during the recent floods in Manipur.

The organisations further claimed that the arrest of AT leaders was a deliberate move to destabilize Manipur and pave the way for increased security force operation, as the Government was aware it would provoke a public outcry.

It stated that the widespread protests in the valley districts are demanding the release of the arrested AT leaders and an end to the crackdown on village volunteers.

Security forces resorted to excessive force against protesters by firing tear gas shells, live bullets, smoke bombs etc, leading to injuries that required hospitalization of two AT members and an Impact TV reporter, the organisations said and added that the use of tear gas shells, live bullets, and smoke bombs against protesters is an excessive measure by the Government.

The arrest of AT leaders and subsequent public protests have exacerbated the emotional distress of Manipur's residents, who are already grappling with hardship, it said.

There's a growing apprehension that the Government of India might be taking actions to destabilize Manipur and pave the way for negotiations with Kuki militant groups under the expired Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact, and advance their agenda, the organisations claimed.

They claimed that the Government of India is unfairly targeting one group with curfews and arrests, while simultaneously facilitating meetings to negotiate the demands of another group.

AMUCO, PLAMPAM, AMAWOVA, COHR and MSF condemned what they perceive as the Government's alleged bias.

Saying that unity among the people is necessary to challenge the selective treatment by the Government, it added that AMUCO, PLAMPAM, AMAWOVA, COHR, and MSF are committed to serving Manipur's interests.

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