More demand release of Meitei VVs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 05 2025: Denouncing crackdown on Meitei village volunteers, Meira Paibis staged a protest demonstration at Haobam Marak Irom Leikai today.

Organised by Naharol Yaipha Lamjingkon Haobam Marak Leikai and Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Meira Paibi Development Organisation, the protest demonstration also called for removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958 from Manipur and transfer of Superintendent of Police of Thoubal to Churachandpur or Kangpokpi.

During the sit-in protest, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Meira Paibi Development Organisation's general secretary, Leimapokpam Nganbi said Manipur has been in turmoil since May 3, 2023 after Kuki narco-terrorists launched attacks on Meiteis killing many innocent civilians including women and children.

Facing unprecedented attacks on civilians, Meitei youths were forced to take up arms to protect their families and community.

The village volunteers who have been defending their villages from Kuki narco-terrorists must not be harmed, killed or arrested, she said.

Volunteers who have been arrested must be released immediately without any conditions, she added.

The Meira Paibis and the public condemn any crackdown on Meitei village volunteers, she said.

While security forces have cracked down on and arrested Meitei village volunteers, armed Kuki narco-terrorists who have openly attacked civilians, burned houses and even attacked a police station in Kangpokpi and the district SP have not been arrested or detained, she said.

While security forces have not taken up any action against Kuki narco-terrorists, Meitei village volunteers on the other hand have been arrested and harmed in the valley.

Recently, she said, a village volunteer was unfortunately killed in Salungpham by the security forces.

"Village volunteers have been effective in defending the properties and lives of civilians in the peripheries.

The State forces and Central security forces must not arrest or harm them," she said.

Another Meira Paibi member Soibam ongbi Rita said the violent conflict in the State has been fuelled by Kuki infiltrators from neighbouring countries.

"Even as many Meiteis citizens have been killed by the infiltrators, the Centre has not acted against them.

There is suspicion if the Kuki narco-terrorists have acted in collusion with the Indian Government to commit genocide against the Meiteis," she said.

She further stated that the Government must take strong action against the Kuki militant groups who have broken the ground rules of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) .

No Meitei village volunteers must be harmed, detained or arrested in the future by the security forces, she asserted.

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