No let up in call for SoO abrogation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 25 2023:
Many people have once again reiterated the popular demand for abrogation of SoO pact with Kuki militant groups.
Demanding immediate abrogation of SoO, protest demonstrations were staged at different places today.
The protesters also made it clear that any separate administration within the State of Manipur is unacceptable.
Highlighting these standpoints and demand, a large number of women staged a protest demonstration at Patsoi Part IV under the aegis of Patsoi Part-IV Apunba Meira Paibi and Lainingthou Naothingkhong Pakhangba Development Committee.
The gathering also urged the Government to resolve the ongoing crisis at the earliest.
Condemning the acts of narco-terrorism unleashed by Chin-Kuki militants in collusion with illegal immigrants, the protesters strongly condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stoic silence even after many people have been killed, thousands of houses burnt down and tens of thousands rendered homeless.
They also shouted slogans like "Immediate implementation of NRC in Manipur", "Deportation of Chin-Kuki illegal immigrants from the State", "Territorial integrity of Manipur is non-negotiable", "Withdraw Assam Rifles from Manipur", "Hail Manipur" etc.
Meanwhile, former United Committee Manipur (UCM) president Sunil Karam has questioned the Government's failure to control Kuki militants in the State even after deployment of around 40,000 troops.
Speaking at a sit-in-protest staged at Andro Keithel today under the aegis of Meira Paibi Apunba Lup, Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) and All Andro Shopkeepers and Vegetable Vendors Association, Sunil Karam also questioned the role of Assam Rifles in the ongoing conflict.
People have a frightening foreboding that if Assam Rifles troops come to fringe Meitei villages, it would not be long before Kuki militants open fire, raid the villages and burn down houses, Sunil said.
This foreboding was created by Assam Rifles's support to Kuki militants, he said.
Even though both Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister N Biren assured that the Kuki militants under SoO would be confined to their designated camps and controlled effectively, no tangible action has been taken up in this regard so far, Sunil Karam said.
The role and responsibility of Meira Paibis toward protecting Meitei community and Manipur as a whole are immense, he said.
One AMKIL member said it was rather unfortunate that some unwanted incidents took place among women due to misinformation or misunderstanding.
She then appealed to all the people, particularly womenfolk, to work with utmost care so as to such unfortunate incidents in the future.