The Meetei Council Moreh (MCM), in remembrance of May 3, 2023 incident, observed the ‘the 3rd May, Moreh’ on Friday at Kodompokpi Relief Camp, Wangjing while the IDPs who are taking shelter at different relief camps took part in the observation.
MCM president M Thoiba Meetei questioned if there were any hidden agendas behind the ongoing conflict in Manipur. Before and during the MP elections, the Kuki militants did not fire a single bullet and just after the election, they resumed attacking the Meetei villagers once again.
He continued that the ongoing conflict in Manipur has become the longest conflict in the history of the country. During this one-year-long conflict which has seen to end or closure, the Government of India has remained as silent spectators, he alleged.
“Therefore, there are doubts if there is any hidden agenda to end the Meetei ethnic conflict in our own state,” he said. He also highlighted that the Kukis in the border town of Moreh had waged war against different communities including Nagas, Tamil and Paite tribes.
ALSO READ: Families of 31 missing Meiteis in Manipur conflict seek closure
He recalled that during those communal clashes, the MCM took the role of a big brother role and took up swift measures to end those clashes. He appealed to the different communities of the state to work together and take up steps to end the long drawn conflict.
Meanwhile, the Committee on Protection of Meetei victims Moreh (COPMeV) also observed the day as ‘3rd May-Kuki Invasion to Indigenous People of Manipur’ at Singjamei, Imphal West. A massive silent rally from Akampat Ideal Girls College Relief Camp to Singjamei Ima Keithel and a sit-in protest at the destination marked the observation.
Many IDPs from different relief camps took part in the event. COPMeV chairman L Inaocha appealed to the state and Central government to take up steps to end the ongoing conflict. He also continued that the Kuki Narco-terrorists with the aim to ethnically cleanse the Meeteis attacked the innocent Meetei civilians at border town Moreh and other parts of the state.
ALSO READ: CSOs call for justice, peace in Manipur
He appealed to the present government to abrogate the SoO agreement with Kuki Militants, implement NRC immediately and give ST status to Meeteis which is the only solution for a peaceful coexistence of the state. He also continued that the IDPs living in different relief camps are facing untold miseries.
Many youths and students have dropped out of their studies due to the unbearable expenses of schools and colleges. Many elderly people are facing different health issues, he said. Therefore, the state and the Central government should take up steps to end this ongoing conflict and should make arrangements to make the displaced victims return back to their own homes, he added.
