Senior citizen cum advocate Khaidem Mani has appealed for the safe release of six individuals, including three minors and three women, who are being held captive by Kuki militants at Jiribam.
Speaking to the media, he expressed deep concern over the worsening situation in Manipur, describing it as “from bad to worse” and now “uncontrollable.”
He highlighted the lack of governance in the state, noting that the ongoing conflict has lasted for almost 19 months, with one community invading another while making demands from the Indian government.
Mani further criticized the political divide among the state’s elected representatives, pointing out the emergence of Naga, Kuki, and Meitei factions among the MLAs.
He questioned the validity of such divisions, stating that all 60 MLAs should be referred to as “Manipur Legislative MLAs” rather than being categorized by their ethnic communities.
Addressing the territorial situation, Mani raised concerns about the governance in the state’s three districts — Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal — where he claimed that no Meitei person could settle.
He argued that governance does not exist in these areas and questioned how the territorial integrity of Manipur can be said to be protected when there is only a de jure government in these districts.
Meanwhile, representing the Pangal community of Manipur, All Manipur Muslim Organisation Coordinating Committee (AMMOCOC) has also called on the Kuki militants to release the captive children and women.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, AMMOCOC president SM Jalal appealed for releasing the children and women safe and sound.
Highlighting the tragedy occurring since May last year, Jalal said that amidst the conflict many captives were released from both Meitei and Kuki communities. This time again we requested for the release of those captives, he appealed.
He appealed to the state government to take up any means to rescue them.
