'GoI's inaction must be fought on the strength of Merger Agreement'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 11 2024: The Government of India's inaction and silence to the war for creation of a Kukiland encompassing Kuki inhabited areas of Manipur must be fought on the strength of the Manipur Merger Agreement, stated retired District and Sessions Judge A Noutuneshwari.

Speaking at the first foundation day of Manipur Women Federation (MWF) held at the City Convention Centre here today, A Noutuneshwari said that the Government of India must be knowing well the Kuki people's war to disintegrate Manipur.

The Kuki offensive must be fought by the Government's security forces.

"Meiteis are innocent.

For protection of Meiteis, we can take recourse to legal channels", the retired Judge asserted.

'GoI's inaction must be fought on the strength of Merger Agreement'

Reminding about the Government's assurance to bring peace in Manipur after the Lok Sabha elections, she appealed to the Government to restore peace and normalcy in the State.

She also appealed to all the elected representatives to set aside all political differences and work collectively in order to protect the Meitei community.

"After studying each and every point of the Manipur Merger Agreement, we must work collectively to see that the Government of India upholds all the clauses and provisions of the agreement," Noutuneshwari said.

She urged all the people of Manipur to come together and see that the Government of India fulfils Article 8 of the Merger Agreement.

All the Meiteis need to come together as one and fight the Kuki-Chin offensive to create a Kukiland out of Manipur before it is too late, she asserted.

Women can play a big part in any effort to protect Manipur, she said.

"Each one of us must act as a warrior in the face of the Chin-Kuki offensive", the retired Judge said while commending the contributions of MWF towards economic empowerment of the State's womenfolk.

MWF president Khundongbam Shini stated that MWF would continue to work relentlessly to protect the Meitei community.

Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) president Th Manihar said that the FOCS women wing was transformed and it gave birth to MWF.

MWF was set up to work for the welfare, development and economic empowerment of Manipuri women, Manihar said.

MWF has been shouldering a big responsibility in the current crisis by reaching out to the needy and helping injured victims, he said.

He then underscored the urgent need for all organisations of Manipur to come together and fight the Kuki militants offensive which is directly challenging the integrity of Manipur and its geographical boundary.

Claiming that the MWF has been taking a big role toward restoration of Manipur's sovereignty in a way acceptable to international law, Manihar urged all the people to come together in order to defeat Kukis and drive them away from the soil of Manipur.

Taragi Cheishu vice chairman P Sonamani underscored the importance of giving a high status of respect and dignity to every woman.

Imagi Meira convenor Th Sujata asserted that the Unified Command leader Kuldiep Singh must step down from his position for he has failed miserably to control the 13 months old violent crisis.

In cahoots with Central paramilitary forces, Kukis have launched a fresh offensive at Jiribam with a sinister design to take complete control of Jiribam district and it's time to send back Kuldiep Singh from Manipur, she said.

It is a matter of grave concern that Assam Rifles evacuated Meitei residents of Jiribam from their villages only to let Kuki militants burn down their houses, she continued.

Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup secretary Laishram Mema asked all the MLAs and Ministers to have the courage to step down from their respective positions if the Government of India is unwilling to protect Manipur.

As representatives of the people, it is their responsibility to protect Manipur, its people and their properties, she said.

The Government of India's only concern is its territorial boundary and it does not care even though the Kuki-Meitei conflict is more than 13 months old, she continued.

"Kukis are refugees and Manipur is our ancestral land.

It is our sacred duty to protect this ancestral land at all cost", Mema asserted.

On the occasion of its first foundation day, MWF presented gifts to office bearers of different CSOs and media persons.