Northeast

Manipur Unrest: Imagi Meira slams state on influx report

Imagi Meira convenor Thokchom Sujata lashed out at the state government administration, particularly the Security Advisor and Director General of Police (DGP), for their contradictory statements regarding the alleged entry of 900 armed Kuki militants.

ByIFP Bureau

Updated 29 Sept 2024, 1:10 am

(PHOTO: IFP)
(PHOTO: IFP)

Expressing deep frustration over the u-turn statement made by Manipur security advisor and DGP Manipur on the infiltration of 900 armed militants into Manipur, ‘Imagi Meira’ has slammed security advisor Kuldeip Singh and DGP Manipur Rajeev Singh for failing to properly verify the news.

Imagi Meira convenor Thokchom Sujata lashed out at the state government administration, particularly the Security Advisor and Director General of Police (DGP), for their contradictory statements regarding the alleged entry of 900 armed Kuki militants.

During a press conference at the Manipur Press Club on Friday, Thokchom Sujata said that the conflict, which has persisted for more than a year, has intensified to the point where Kuki militants have acquired the capability to launch drone attacks on Meitei-populated areas.

Amid such a situation, is it proper for a uniform officer to give contradictory statements without proper verification, she asked.

ALSO READ: Manipur security advisor’s statement shocking: COCOMI

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Sujata pointed to security advisor Kuldiep Singh initial confirmation of the entry, which was later withdrawn following threats of agitation from Kuki Civil Society Organisations.

“They’ve silenced us for too long. But we cannot stay silent anymore,” Sujata stated emphatically.

Why conduct a press conference before verifying such sensitive information? Have you forgotten your duty as security advisor, she asked, adding that this mishandling only deepened the public’s mistrust of the authorities.

“If attacks by armed militants occur in the periphery on September 28 or the days that follow, the responsibility lies squarely on the Security Advisor and DGP,” Sujata stated, adding that as uniform officers they should be neutral and not be influenced by politics but that they have been influenced and are involved in politics. So, both officers should either take responsibility for any potential fallout or resign from their posts, she added.

Sujata’s sharpest criticism was reserved for Assam Rifles, which took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to cast doubt on the original report of the militants’ entry.

She also urged the central government to urgently find a resolution to the conflict, stating that Manipur is also a part of India. Burning in Manipur is burning in India, leaving behind a burning state and roaming foreign countries will not bring peace in the state, she said.

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ALSO READ: ‘Where have the 900 influx militants gone?’

Sujata warned that if the government does not take immediate and serious action, such attacks could potentially extend to central locations in the valley, including the chief minister’s residence and the Raj Bhawan.

She alleged the state government of failing to act against the 10 MLAs allegedly backing the Kuki militants. Equating this inaction with tacit support for the militants, she questioned CM Biren’s reluctance to take decisive steps against two Kuki ministers in his cabinet.

“What are they doing today? Why is there no action against them?” she asked, calling out the government’s lack of leadership.

Sujata’s words serve as a stark reminder of the growing unrest and the urgent need for strong, coordinated leadership. As uncertainty looms, the public’s patience is wearing thin, and the demand for accountability is only getting louder.

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manipur crisismanipur security advisorImagi Meira900 intel

IFP Bureau

IFP Bureau

IMPHAL, Manipur

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