Ukhrul, Sep 25: Amid rising tensions in Manipur, several Meitei civil society organizations based in Delhi have submitted an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for immediate action to protect Meitei civilians from escalating violence perpetrated by “armed Kuki terrorists.” The letter is jointly signed by the Delhi Manipuri Society (DeMAS), Meitei Heritage Society, and Ningols United Progressive Initiative (NUPI).
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The appeal highlights a troubling timeline of violence that began on May 3, 2023, with the burning of Meitei villages in Churachandpur. Although there had been a period of relative calm, renewed unrest erupted following nationwide rallies on August 31, 2024, organized by Kuki Zo tribal civil society groups demanding a separate Union Territory. The groups have been accused of pursuing a larger agenda to establish a sovereign Christian nation by fragmenting Manipur and India.
The letter stated that starting from September 1, 2024, armed Kuki terrorists allegedly launched coordinated attacks on Meitei civilians, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The report details instances of bombings and missile strikes on civilian areas, citing specific incidents including drone attacks in Koutruk and Senjam Chirang, which led to significant casualties. Eyewitness accounts and police investigations confirmed the use of advanced drone technology in these assaults.
The letter further stated the alarming admission by Kuki Students’ Organization (KSO) President Poajakhup Guite, who publicly acknowledged the development of missiles aimed at Meitei civilians, exacerbating fears of further violence. The organizations urged the Prime Minister to investigate the involvement of the KSO and other militant groups in these attacks and to consider abrogating the Suspension of Operations agreement due to repeated violations.
The Meitei civil society organizations in Delhi expressing their hope for the Prime Minister’s swift intervention to ensure the safety and security of innocent civilians and uphold the territorial integrity of Manipur has called for the designation of the involved organizations as “terrorist entities” as it urged a “comprehensive crackdown on armed Kuki groups linked to foreign anti-India forces.”
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