Ukhrul: The World Meetei Council (WMC) has sent a distress appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the escalating violence in Manipur and urging immediate government intervention. The council condemned the killing of hostages, including three young children aged 8 years, 2.5 years, and 8 months, allegedly by Chin-Kuki militant groups in Jiribam, Manipur.
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In the letter, the WMC described the killings as “heinous and barbaric” and expressed concern over the reimposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, in five districts dominated by the Meetei community. The council argued that AFSPA is unnecessary in these areas, as no cases of violence against security forces have been recorded since the unrest began on May 3, 2023.
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The WMC outlined a series of demands for resolving the situation and restoring peace:
1. Immediate Abrogation of the SoO Agreement: The Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Government of India and the Chin-Kuki terrorists must be immediately terminated. This agreement is being exploited to perpetuate violence and disrupt the peace in Manipur.
2. Army and Paramilitary Forces to Act Against Chin-Kuki Terrorists: The army and paramilitary forces deployed in Manipur should be directed to take decisive action against the Chin-Kuki terrorists who are exploiting the SoO agreement to carry out attacks on Meetei villages. The forces are already in control of the situation, and clear instructions must be given to prevent further bloodshed.
3. Revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA): The reimposition of AFSPA, the INHUMAN ACT is unacceptable. It must be immediately revoked, as it only exacerbates the suffering of innocent civilians and does not serve to restore peace.
4. Designation of Chin-Kuki Terrorists as Terrorist Organizations: The ferocity and brutality displayed by the Chin-Kuki terrorists demand that they be officially recognized as terrorist organizations. This designation will facilitate stronger countermeasures to neutralize their violent activities and ensure accountability.
5. Leadership Change in Manipur: The ongoing violence in Manipur has been exacerbated by the abject inefficiency of the incumbent Chief Minister, Shri N. Biren Singh. A change in leadership is crucial to restore normalcy, and it would greatly contribute to bringing normalcy and peace in Manipur.
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The WMC underscored that the Prime Minister’s direct intervention could bring an end to the violence. “The Chin-Kuki militants are under the control of the Army and Assam Rifles. A clear order to stop these terrorists from attacking Meetei villages would halt the ongoing violence and restore peace,” the letter stated.
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