Student bodies strike anti-SoO stand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 13 2023: Until and unless the Kuki militants under SoO pact with the Government of India are controlled, it will be hard to bring back normalcy in the State, said six student bodies.

The six student bodies include Manipur Students' Federation (MSF), Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA), Students' Union of Kangleipak (SUK) and Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS) .

In a joint statement, the student bodies said the unfortunate incident that happened at Churachandpur district on May 3, the clash between the Kukis and Meiteis, was caused by those who have fallen to the bait of the deep-rooted agenda of "divide and rule policy".

The State Government is another victim the long running strategy to "divide Manipur into pieces, and dismantle the united strength of the State" .

The responsibility of the incident that happened should be borne by the Government of India and the State Government, they said.

The bodies asserted that the illegal immigrants that came flooding into the State have not been checked or monitored by the Indian Law, instead they are left unattended.

The Government of India and the State Government have not checked the unnatural increase of population in the hill areas, the formation of new villages, massive deforestation, plantation of poppy illegally in large scale.

Instead of protecting and guarding the borders, the Government has turned a blind eye to the influx of illegal immigrants and has not yet implemented NRC in the State.

"The clash between the community who wanted to protect the indigenous people and those who nurture the illegal immigrants and destruction of unity of the people of the State is a well-planned strategy of India," they alleged.

Due to the "seeds of poison" sowed by the India Government, the people are facing deaths and suffering at present.

The India Government is also currently "assisting" the Kuki militants whom they have signed the SoO agreement with and waging war against the indigenous Meitei community.

This had caused many deaths and losses, the bodies alleged.

"The public is now aware with evidence and witnesses that the Assam Rifles is helping the Kuki militants.

This is simply putting the agenda to destroy the indigenous community of Manipur into action.

The public must be able to see this clearly," they added.

The student bodies further stressed that the small Meitei community, which has been existing as an indigenous community from time immemorial, has been deeply impacted by the influx of foreigners.

"The valley, which is largely populated by the Meiteis, is surrounded by the camps of Kuki militants.

The Meiteis are facing existential threat and the question is who will protect us.

Although the SoO groups had signed the agreement in 2005 and have been holding tripartite talks since 2008, they have been breaking the SoO ground rules.

The Indian Government has been letting them completely free to do anything for a quite a long time," said the bodies.

Today, the Kuki militants "bred" by the Indian Government in the name of SoO agreement have started taking part in peace rally bearing sophisticated arms like Ak-47, etc, and instigating a riot.

They opened fire at Meitei villages and killed many innocent civilians and torched many houses.

On top of that, they are now killing security personnel, they said, claiming the AR personnel, who are here to bring the situation under control, have been "openly assisting the Kuki militants" .

While the Manipur Government had already announced that the leaders of the Kuki militant groups which had signed SoO agreement were foreigners and further announced decision to withdraw from the agreement, why has India Government not made any attempt to control the Kuki militants, the student bodies asked.

They also questioned why the India Government has not taken any action against them when they have killed innocent civilians.

"...it is crystal clear that the Manipur State Government and the Government of India are 100% responsible for the prevailing scenario," they said demanding the Government to move the camps of Kuki militants near the valley urgently and seize all their arms and ammunition.

"Why are the Kuki militants equipped with topnotch arms and weapons ? The Government of India should withdraw the SoO, seize their weapons and immediate action should be taken up against them according to the law," they added.

The bodies further stated that the State Government must publicly issue its stance; otherwise, there is absolutely no guarantee that a more severe form of violence will not take place.

Also, any group or organisation must not try to take sides.

"It is high time the people of Manipur become vigilant and cautious by putting serious consideration on the fact that future generations are at stake.

We appeal further to all to take up concerted efforts to build a peaceful and harmonious Manipur," said the bodies.

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