Thirteen civil society organisations in Manipur have jointly submitted a memorandum to the governor, urging immediate action on security issues and calling for solutions to the ongoing conflict that has impacted public safety.
The organisations, comprising of IPAK, IPSA, ACOAM LUP, PANDM, ERDO, LOYALUP, KSA, KANGLAMEI, KIL, CLK, MIKL, AKSHIL and SWA, highlighted several critical issues, including the aggression by armed Kuki militants, whom they described as narco-terrorists.
The groups noted that, despite a SoO pact with the Government of India, Kuki militants have recently escalated their activities, launching attacks during the harvest season and compromising public trust in security measures.
They emphasised the need for action against indefinite blockades on national highways, which have disrupted essential supplies to the state’s 3.5 million people.
The memorandum reported frequent militant attacks, citing incidents like the killing of S Sophia in Bishnupur district and the abduction of six villagers including three children from Jakuradhor in Jiribam district.
They also expressed growing distrust in security forces, particularly the Assam Rifles, which they accused of bias toward Kuki militants, fueling local militia formations and tension within communities.
The organisations presented a series of requests, including rescuing the hostages abducted in Jiribam, clearing and securing national highways, designating no-entry zones near paddy fields for farmer protection, and enhancing coordination among security forces.
They also urged the governor to consider abrogating the SoO pact with foreign-origin militant groups such as ZRA, KNO, and KRA and called for reforms in the Assam Rifles’ approach to restore public trust.
The 24 hours statewide shutdown imposed by the 13 organisations against the perceived inadequate response from the state and central governments ended at 6 pm of Wednesday evening.
