Political activist Sapamcha Kangleipal has questioned the status of 900 militants reportedly active in Manipur, highlighting concerns over a sidelined intelligence report that was initially significant but seemingly dismissed after backlash from Kuki groups.
Speaking at the 73rd Death Anniversary of Lamyanba Irabot at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal, Kangleipal criticized the central government for its tactics in managing the crisis, asserting that invoking terms such as “President’s Rule” and “AFSPA” aims to instill fear within the Meetei community. He speculated that central forces may be utilizing Kuki militants to perpetuate the ongoing unrest and justify the enforcement of AFSPA, suggesting that some officials may depend on the act for career advancement.
Kangleipal emphasized that resolving the ongoing crisis in Manipur is the central government’s responsibility. He proposed that the government should abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and address illegal immigration, which he believes has contributed to the tensions in the region. He stressed that protecting international borders is a duty of the Centre, not the state.
Reflecting on the legacy of Lamyanba Irabot, Kangleipal expressed that if Irabot had lived longer, many issues facing indigenous communities today could have been mitigated. He called for a revival of Irabot’s ideology to foster a prosperous Manipur.
The event also featured floral tributes to Irabot and was attended by various leaders, including N Sanahal, President of the Meitei Cheingak, Meitrabak (MCM), and representatives from student and minority welfare organizations.
