With the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement between the government of India and Kuki militants ending on February 29, 2024, Meetei Yaipha Lup (Europe), Global Manipur Federation and World Meitei Council have expressed their opposition to any further extension of the agreement.
While demanding abrogation of the agreement, they have advocated for fortified security measures along border areas.
For the same, a letter was submitted to Chief Minister N Biren Singh with representation of a unified global voice calling for swift and decisive action from the government to address the pressing issues facing Manipur.
World Meetei Council chairman Heigrujam Nabashyam, addressing the press at the Manipur Press Club, urged the Manipur government to address the deteriorating law-and-order situation, social and economic policies, and citizen concerns promptly and effectively, emphasising the need for transparent and proactive measures to restore normalcy in the state.
Informing that the three organisations submitted a letter to the government of Manipur, he said the letter mentions a stark criticism leveled against the perceived inefficiencies of the government, citing the deterioration of law-and-order, social, and economic policies within the state.
Furthermore, they implore the government to grant Schedule Tribe status to the Meitei community, he said.
The statement underscores an unprecedented challenge in India’s democratic history, attributing the current state of affairs to the government’s purported lack of capability in safeguarding the constitution and protecting the fundamental rights of its citizens, WMC chairman informed.
The statement also called for urgent reassessment of the government’s responsibilities, urging for a proactive approach to reinstating law-and-order in the state. Key demands include the reopening of National Highways, immediate actions to find missing persons, and concerted efforts to eradicate poppy plantations, he said.
Additionally, the government is implored to provide logistical and manpower support to the state police force in Moreh, as well as strategically deploy security forces to vulnerable areas, Heigrujam Nabashyam said of the contents of the letter.
Furthermore, the statement emphasises the humane treatment of protestors and highlights the opposition to the extension of the SoO (Suspension of Operations) agreement by a majority of citizens in Manipur. Urgent submission of ethnographic and socioeconomic status reports of the Meeteis to the Central Government is also requested in light of demands for Scheduled Tribe status.
The people of Manipur are portrayed as looking to the government for leadership and protection during these challenging times. Transparency and effective measures are deemed crucial for restoring normalcy in the state, with an emphasis on citizen engagement and trust-building, the WMC chairman said.
