Imphal, Manipur: In a recent statement, ten Kuki-Zo MLAs from Manipur called on both the Centre and the State Government to take decisive action to restore peace and normalcy in the region.
They emphasized the importance of initiating a political dialogue to address the ongoing conflict and ensure lasting peace in the troubled state.
The MLAs expressed concern over the State Cabinet’s recent resolution passed on November 16, which they believe reflects a “divisive, one-sided and communal agenda” being pursued by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. They criticized the Cabinet’s support for fringe elements allegedly representing the Thadou and Hmar tribes, calling it “pitiful” and underscoring the need for a separate political and administrative entity for the Kuki-Zo community.
Regarding the imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), the MLAs called for an immediate review and extension of the Act to cover 13 additional police jurisdictions in Manipur and the Imphal valley. They argued this would help recover over 6,000 sophisticated weapons looted by Meitei militias since May 3, 2023. However, the MLAs insisted that mass operations should not target one community alone but should be conducted across the state to recover illegal arms from all militia groups.
The MLAs further demanded that cases involving the deaths of six civilians be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), requesting that all civilian killings since May 3, 2023, in both the valley and the hills be investigated by the agency.
Condemning the violent attacks by Meitei mobs on the properties of Meitei MLAs and ministers, the Kuki-Zo MLAs called for the establishment of a High-powered Committee to investigate the involvement of political parties, individuals, and Meitei civil society organizations (CSOs) with “secessionist mind-sets,” who may be exacerbating the violence for political gain.
The statement concluded with a call for the Centre and State Government to take necessary steps to restore peace through a comprehensive political dialogue aimed at addressing the concerns of all communities in Manipur.
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