Meitei Body Calls for Youth Talks : Meitei Organization Appeals to Governor for Youth Engagement

Imphal, Feb 22 (NationPress) The leading body of Manipur's Meitei community, known as the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), made a formal request to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday, advocating for discussions with local youth leaders. This approach aims to ensure a collaborative effort in retrieving arms from civilian volunteers while steering clear of any rushed or forceful measures.

COCOMI also requested that no legal actions be pursued against civilian volunteers who felt compelled to protect their communities.

The Convenor for Information and Public Relations of the Meitei body, Laikhuram Jayanta, emphasized that the recovery of confiscated arms is vital under legal frameworks, but it is crucial to understand the backdrop that prompted local youth to resort to arms and engage in looting.

“The crisis stemmed from the government's security forces' inability to safeguard at-risk villages during the height of unrest. The ongoing terror threat persists, as no formal statement has been issued regarding the withdrawal of armed Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups that continue to operate in Manipur's hill regions without accountability from the central government, under the misleading Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement,” Jayanta communicated to the press.

He pointed out that the seven-day deadline for the surrender of arms is inadequate for fruitful engagement with stakeholders and the broader public.

“Extending this timeframe would foster better public comprehension and cooperation, potentially averting misunderstandings or resistance. Nevertheless, the aggressive tactics employed by central security forces on Friday in various valley locations, which disregarded the timeline set forth by the Governor, have sparked significant alarm within the populace,” he remarked.

During a large-scale operation against arms holders, various security forces in Manipur apprehended 26 members of the Meitei radical faction 'Arambai Tengol,' but subsequently released them following identity verification.

The Meitei leader stated: “This blatant disregard for the Governor’s directives has instigated widespread skepticism among the citizens. Why are central forces ignoring the Governor’s orders? Why are they exhibiting animosity towards local youth rather than adhering to the official guidelines? Such behaviors have heightened mistrust within the community,” they asserted.

COCOMI articulated that the arms confiscation process should encompass not only the recovered weapons but also the unaccounted illegal arms smuggled across borders and utilized by Kuki armed factions operating under the supposed Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Indian government.

Transparency is essential; reports regarding arms confiscation from the hills must be publicly disclosed to guarantee a rational and equitable approach. The Meitei body expressed that the populace of Manipur seeks guarantees from the Governor and relevant authorities that all armed Kuki militant camps under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) in the hilly regions will be relocated to restore law and order.

“The government must devise a robust, foolproof strategy to protect villages, instill a sense of security among residents and their volunteers, and provide steadfast assurance against future attacks,” COCOMI emphasized.

Previously, COCOMI vehemently opposed the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, urging the Governor to establish a new government promptly to address the ongoing ethnic crisis.