The Civil Society Organisations, Kangleipak, a conglomerate of 13 civil bodies, on Thursday urged authorities to secure the release of six civilians, including three women and three children, held captive by Kuki militants.
The violent actions of Kuki insurgent groups, which are violating the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, must be stopped immediately and urgent action is needed to filtrate illegal immigrants using sophisticated weapons to target the Meitei community, as failure to act could lead to civil war, stated a release.
Meitei MLAs and Ministers, who are reportedly in hiding outside Manipur, must return to the state to help resolve the escalating crisis and called for their resignation, citing their failure to fulfill their duties, it mentioned.
It alleged that a ‘Proxy war’ is being waged by central security forces colluding with Kuki militants against the Meitei community and warned that the involvement of foreign militants in the conflict posed a significant threat to internal security, not only in Manipur but across India, it stated.
It further alleged that BJP Manipur’s president, a woman, failed to take action to rescue those three women and children held captive. In light of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, he has been remaining silent and neglecting the suffering of women and children affected by the ongoing crisis, it added.
National political parties must take immediate action to address the deepening crisis, maintaining that if a leader cannot protect his own state, then there is no reason for them to remain in power, it mentioned.
Despite the 10 Kuki MLAs violating constitutional provisions and making anti-state, anti-people statements, the government failed to take action against them, it stated.
The groups expressed frustration with Prime Minister Modi’s focus on international diplomacy while the crisis in Manipur remains unresolved. They criticised his foreign trips, suggesting that the Prime Minister was more concerned with projecting a favourable image abroad than addressing the urgent issues facing the people of Manipur.
The organisations warned of stern agitations if their demands for action, including the resolution of the ongoing crisis, are not met.
