UKHRUL: The Meitei Heritage Society has expressed its concern over the recent public statement made allegedly by the Manipur Chief Minister, Yumnam Khemchand, suggesting that the National Highways in the state are “open’ and that restrictions on movement are primarily due to a “trust deficit” and fear among the people.
In a letter submitted to the Chief Minister, Meitei Heritage Society stated that attributing restriction to free movement as merely to “fear” or “trust deficit” is insensitive to the misery of civilians.
Stating that it understands the CM has the onerous responsibility of engaging with several stakeholders with competing aspirations, balancing political calculations and managing the Central leadership in Delhi, MHs stated that it welcomes the CM’s recent efforts to build trust among the communities.
“While the intent and spirit are much appreciated, it should not be at the cost of misleading the public and compromising public safety,” it stated.
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It mentioned that Chin Kuki Militants and other armed groups have said that the highways are not open to all civilians, while adding that international media have also reported that security forces have been preventing Meiteis from using the highways.
It cited the public statement of the Kuki Zo Council’s saying that there is no unrestricted or free movement and Meiteis can’t use the NH 02 and Chin Kuki Militants’ statement endorsing Kuki Zo Council’s statement.
It also mentioned that about a video message by a Chin Kuki armed group so-called VV Eastern Zone, who are among the many armed groups threating movement in Highways, rejecting any settlements with the central government
It cited a ground report by BBC which showed Central and state security forces stopping a Meitei journalist in Sekmai, saying they did not have orders to allow Meiteis to use the NH 02. The same BBC team’s report last week, which found that the restriction remains the same was also mentioned.
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It stated that at least, two PILs have been filed against the blockade of Highways by the Chin Kuki Militants and armed groups.
It added, that the NHRC has sought a report on the blockade of the Highways
It further mentioned that several civilians, truckers and security forces have been killed and/or injured when they tried to access the highways or cross the so called illegal “buffer zones”, while adding that Meitei activist Malem Thongam was prevented from using the National Highway by the Security Forces.
It noted that the illegal blockade is a violation of Fundamental Rights, which guarantee every Indian citizen the right to move freely throughout the territory of India.
The Meitei Heritage Society stated that the responsibility for ensuring safe passage lies with the Government of India and deployed security forces, not with civilians and added that attributing restriction to free movement as merely to “fear” or “trust deficit” is insensitive to the misery of civilians.
It continued, “Public statements from the highest office carry immense weight and may inadvertently encourage uninformed citizens to undertake travel under the false assumption that routes are secure, thereby risking their lives.”
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Stating that the safety and lives of the people of Manipur must remain paramount, the Meitei Heritage Society appealed to the chief minister to avoid generalized statements that may be misinterpreted by the public.
It also urged the state government to dismantle the “unholy” nexus between the Chin Kuki Militants/armed groups and so-called CSOs who have been blocking the National Highways by issuing threats and provide adequate security to ensure safety and accessibility of national highways for civilians.