UKHRUL: The Meitei Alliance has demanded that the authorities move beyond statements and assurances and take immediate legal action against the culprits involved in the abduction of innocent Tangkhul civilians at Shangkai village in Ukhrul district on Wednesday.
The Meitei Alliance, in a statement, stated that although the civilians who were allegedly abducted and held captive have now been released and returned home, it does not lessen the gravity of the crime.
“The safe recovery of the victims, while important, cannot become a substitute for justice. Unless the perpetrators are held fully accountable under the law, such acts will be repeated again and again, with innocent civilians continuing to bear the cost of state failure and militant impunity,” it stated.
“The Meitei Alliance notes the reports that the civilians who were allegedly abducted and held captive in Ukhrul have now been handed over to the police. While this may have brought immediate relief to the affected families, it does not lessen the gravity of the crime, nor does it absolve the authorities of their duty to ensure that those responsible are identified, arrested, prosecuted, and punished in accordance with the law,” it stated.
It further stated, “The abduction of innocent civilians, including women, children, and elderly persons, was not a minor disturbance but a serious act of terror and intimidation. Such incidents strike at the authority of the State, undermine public confidence in the rule of law, and create a dangerous precedent if allowed to pass without firm legal consequences. The fact that such an incident could occur at all raises grave questions about the ability and sincerity of both the Central and State Governments in reining in armed militants who have continued to hold Manipur to ransom for their narrow and vested interests.”
Asserting that the chief minister had publicly said “strict action” would be “taken” against those responsible, the Meitei Alliance demanded that the authorities move beyond statements and assurances and take immediate legal action against the perpetrators.
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It also expressed concern at the growing perception that the security apparatus has failed to act with the neutrality and firmness expected of it.
“Any policy of appeasement, selective enforcement, or partisan handling of armed violence will only worsen the law and order situation in Manipur and further endanger peace and national security,” the Meitei Alliance stated, while urging the central and state government to act decisively, impartially, and without delay to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice and that such acts of abduction and terror are never allowed to recur.