Imagi Meira, a women’s organization, has called on all elected representatives in Manipur to cease political disputes and join forces in pressuring the central government to address the ongoing crisis. The organization warns that failure to act may lead to a situation worse than the June 18 incident.
At a press conference held at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal, Imagi Meira convenor Th Sujata criticized the central government for neglecting Manipur. She attributed this oversight to the lack of a unified stance among the state’s representatives.
Sujata emphasized that the 50 non-Kuki-Zo MLAs and two MPs must collaborate to urge the central government to resolve the crisis, which began on May 3, 2023, when Kuki militants launched attacks against the Meitei community.
She questioned the government’s response to attacks by Kuki militants, citing the recent drone bombing incident in Koutruk as an example. Sujata suggested that more decisive action might have prevented casualties, such as the death of Surbala.
Sujata criticized the notion that peace is being restored while officials remain insulated in their residences. She challenged the government’s claims, asking whether peace would be evident if officials could travel freely across Manipur. She dismissed the distribution of aid in Imphal as insufficient for resolving the crisis.
Co-convenor RK Ongbi Sunita highlighted the precision of the recent drone attack near Raj Bhavan in Imphal and warned of the potential for continued targeting of the city. She also raised concerns about sophisticated weapons reportedly being smuggled from Myanmar into Kangpokpi district and used against Meitei villages. Sunita criticized the state police and central security forces for focusing their operations only in areas where attacks have occurred.
Sunita questioned the lack of action against rallies in Kuki-dominated areas that have been reportedly held against Chief Minister Biren and in favor of converting Manipur into a union territory, noting that these rallies were protected by police.
She also pointed out the involvement of external forces in the Manipur crisis and criticized the Indian Army for not taking action against Kuki militants, who are allegedly supported by illegal armed immigrants.
“The government must take unbiased measures to restore peace in Manipur,” Sunita concluded.
