DMCC's Jantar Mantar protest raises six demands, seeks action against Kuki armed groups
Source: The Sangai Express

Delhi/Imphal, July 29 2024: Even as the nearly 15-month-old Manipur crisis remains unresolved with no visible reconciliation talks between the Meiteis and the Kukis, the Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee's Jantar Mantar protest yesterday put forward six demands to the Centre and State Government for immediate action.

The protest yesterday in Delhi's Jantar Mantar identified and highlighted Centre's and its armed forces' alleged partiality in dealing with the crisis as a factor that has prolonged the conflict.

The DMCC's protest urged the Centre and the State Government to take action against, Kuki armed groups and foreign supporters, and "rogue elements" within the para-military forces and armed forces, restore rule of law, dismantle all the Central Government "imposed buffer zones" within Manipur, reconnect Meeteis with the rest of India by land and expedite resettlement of internally displaced people (IDPs) to their original villages and homes.

Notably, similar protests were staged yesterday in Manipur and other parts of the country as well.

During the Delhi protest, DMCC representatives said the people of Manipur want justice and decisive action from the Government of India.

The suffering inflicted upon the civilians over the past year is profound and heartbreaking.

It is deeply disheartening to witness the continued "negligence" and "indecisiveness" from the office of the Prime Minister and Government of India.

"We are here not just to protest but to insist on accountability, transparency, and action.

The time for inaction has long passed," said a member.

"First and foremost, we demand an end to the Central Government's partiality towards Kuki militants.

It is imperative that justice be impartially served, and that all affected communities receive fair treatment and protection.

We call upon the Government of India to end siding with Kuki militants in Manipur, to bring peace, normalcy and peaceful coexistence of communities in the State of Manipur," said the DMCC member.

Secondly, the so-called "buffer zone" established by Central forces must be removed.

This zone has only undermined the spirit of coexistence which is essential for peace in Manipur.

Its dismantling is crucial to rebuild trust and unity among the people, the member added.

"Finally, we urge the Government to expedite the resettlement of internally displaced people (IDPs) to their original homes.

Delaying this process has prolonged their suffering and uncertainty.

Swift action is necessary to restore their lives and dignity," the DMCC member said.

Commenting on the role and "ineffectiveness" of the security forces in Manipur, another DMCC representative said there are more than 60,000 Central armed forces deployed in Manipur, but they have failed to work in sync with the State forces and BSF.

Despite their large presence, the central security forces have not taken action against Kuki militants who have carried out attacks on Meetei civilians, the member said.

Further, when the Central security forces have not acted against the attackers and they have failed to protect the lives and properties of the people.

The most unfortunate part is the Government of India using these forces in shifting the population of Meetei and Kukis from one place to another and dividing Manipur on ethnic lines, the member asserted.

DMCC spokesperson Dr N Bobo, Liklam Ngakpa convenor Haobijam Jiten, DMCC convenor Dr Seram Rojesh, Senior Advocate of Supreme Court, Bhabu Pratap and Advocate Balraj Malik among others took part in the protest demonstration.

Speaking at the protest, DMCC spokesperson questioned the "inactivity" of the Assam Rifles during armed Kuki militants' attacks in Moreh, raising concerns about their effectiveness in maintaining peace.

He criticized the Prime Minister for not addressing the situation in Manipur, and questioned the lack of assurance or commitment to end the violence within a specific timeframe.

He expressed fear that illegal immigrants from Myanmar might be attempting to create instability in the region, comparing the situation to the infamous "Golden Triangle" known for drug trafficking.

Liklam Ngakpa spokesperson, Haobijam Jiten called on the Government of India to avoid dividing people along ethnic lines and to eliminate imaginary buffer zones.

He questioned the application of the Article 371C in Manipur, and advocated for inclusion of the Meitei community in the ST (Scheduled Tribe) list.

DMCC convenor Dr Seram Rojesh criticized both the Central and the State Governments for their mishandling of the situation.

He alleged that the Central armed forces are not adhering to Government orders and ethical standards, and they aren't taking action against Kuki militants.

He further accused the security forces of allegedly allowing militants to attack Meitei communities, and facilitating "ethnic cleansing" in Churachandpur.

Dr Senjam Rojesh said the first attacks on the Meetei villages were carried out on May 3, 2023 in four areas including Torbung-Bangla, under Bishnupur district.

He said eight Meetei villages in Churachandpur district, Ekou village in Kangpokpi district, eight Meetei settlements in Moreh in Tengnoupal district were attacked.

On the day the violence first erupted, a Meetei woman was raped and many houses were burnt down in Churachandpur, he added.

These brutal attacks were carried out when the Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, was visiting Manipur (on May 03, 2023).Further coordinated attacks on Meetei settlements were carried out when General Manoj Panday, the Chief of the Army Staff, and Eastern Command Chief Lt Gen RP Kalita were stationed in Imphal.

This visit was ahead of a 3-day visit by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he said.

The DMCC convenor called for immediate and effective action from both the State and the Central Governments to restore peace and ensure the safety of all communities in Manipur.

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