NEW DELHI/UKHURL: The Meitei Alliance and Meitei Heritage Society have called for an impartial crackdown on armed groups, irrespective of their ethnic affiliation, and a reassessment of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework, stating that the existing arrangement has failed to achieve its intended objectives.
The call was made during a panel discussion titled “Escalating Manipur Violence: Core Faultlines”, organised jointly by the two organisations in New Delhi on October 31, in support of the mass rally held in Manipur.
ALSO READ Naga Village Condemns Arson, Alleges Houses Set Ablaze by Kuki Groups
The discussion, per press statement was issued by the Meitei Alliance and Meitei Heritage Society on November 1, brought together journalists, academics, security experts, civil society representatives, lawyers and students to deliberate on the underlying causes of the ongoing crisis and explore possible pathways towards peace and reconciliation.
The participants outlined six key recommendations, including reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, an impartial crackdown on armed groups, opposition to ethnic territorial reorganisation, action against drug networks, reassessment of Assam Rifles deployment and a review of the SoO framework.
On the issue of armed groups, the discussion stressed the need for a comprehensive crackdown, irrespective of ethnic or community affiliation. It identified the continued circulation and use of illegal weapons as major obstacles to peace and called for equal enforcement of the rule of law without discrimination.
The participants also observed that the SoO framework had failed to achieve its intended objectives. They urged the government to reassess its implementation and ensure that any arrangement with armed groups contributes to neutrality, disarmament and accountability.
ALSO READ NPMHR Mourns NNC President Thinoselie M. Keyho, Recalls Contributions to Naga Movement
On Assam Rifles, the discussion stated that its role had contributed to growing mistrust among the people and called on the government to reassess its deployment. It cautioned that prolonged deployment in a highly polarised environment could undermine public confidence and create institutional challenges.
The participants also cautioned against the creation of new territories along ethnic lines, stating that territorial fragmentation could not resolve the underlying issues of identity, security and inter-community relations. The experience of Assam was cited in this regard.
On the drug economy, the discussion highlighted the alleged influence of vested interest groups, including individuals from Myanmar, through illicit narcotics networks. It recommended the use of drones, satellite imagery and aerial surveillance to eliminate illicit poppy cultivation, alongside action against financial and trafficking networks.
ALSO READ Two Missing Kuki Youths Found Dead
Emphasising reconciliation, the participants maintained that the people of Manipur had no alternative to peaceful coexistence. They observed that the failure of communal coexistence in the state would also represent a failure of India’s constitutional commitment to unity in diversity.
The roundtable concluded that the Manipur crisis required a comprehensive political and societal response rather than a narrow security-centric or ethnic approach.
It further stated that security measures alone could not deliver lasting peace, while political negotiations without accountability and impartial law enforcement could not restore public confidence.
The discussion called upon the government, civil society organisations, intellectuals, community leaders and the wider public to share responsibility in creating conditions for meaningful dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
Among those who attended the discussion were senior journalist Subir Bhaumik, Lt Gen Himalaya Singh (Retd), Dr. Arambam Noni, associate professor at DM University, Imphal; Dr. A.C. Kharingpam, associate professor at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi; and Rajat Sethi, former advisor to the chief minister of Manipur, besides representatives of Delhi-based civil society organisations, lawyers and students.
ALSO READ Thousands Join Imphal Mega Rally Against ‘Proxy War’; Six Resolutions Adopted
