All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) and five allied organisations today launched a blistering attack against the Government of India, alleging direct complicity in the violence that has engulfed Manipur since May 3, 2023, and accusing central security agencies of supporting armed militants operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
Addressing a press conference at the AMUCO office located at Kwakeithel, AMUCO president Sanjoy Sorokhaibam, accompanied by representatives of allied organisations including All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), Committee on Human Rights (COHR), Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF), and Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (PLMPAM), alleged that militants sheltered under the SoO pact were being trained and provided logistical support by Indian security forces to attack indigenous communities in the state.
The AMUCO president claimed that fresh attacks carried out in Kamjong district on Thursday were further proof that armed groups continued to operate with impunity despite repeated appeals by civil society organisations to protect civilians and dismantle militant networks.
“Time and again, we have appealed to the Government of India and its agencies to stop attacks on civilians and end support to SoO militants. But they have turned a deaf ear. Till today, nothing concrete has been done,” Sanjoy alleged.
He stated that various civil society organisations had repeatedly met officials and representatives of the Government of India over the past two years, but alleged that assurances and commitments made by authorities had never materialised on the ground.
Strongly condemning what he termed as a “systematic policy against the indigenous people of Manipur,” Sanjoy alleged that the Centre was pursuing an agenda aimed at weakening and eventually exterminating the indigenous population of the state while facilitating the settlement of illegal immigrants.
“The people of Manipur know what is happening. The Government of India is trying to wipe out the indigenous people so they can continue ruling Manipur after bringing in illegal immigrants,” he alleged.
Questioning the alleged silence of national institutions over the prolonged violence in the state, the AMUCO leader asked whether similar situations would have been tolerated had they occurred in states like Rajasthan, Delhi, or West Bengal.
Sanjoy also accused the Centre of neglecting the welfare, education, and livelihood of the people of Manipur and questioned the effectiveness of constitutional institutions in addressing the crisis.
“Does the Constitution of India still exist in Manipur? What is the Supreme Court doing when innocent people are being killed and maimed?” he questioned, alleging that the continued failure to restore normalcy had deepened public anger and distrust.
He further alleged that the Centre was using the ongoing conflict as part of a larger strategy to cripple local communities in its attempt to eliminate armed insurgent groups in the region.
According to AMUCO, while intensive security operations and restrictions were being imposed in the valley districts, armed militants in the hill areas were allegedly being allowed to move freely.
Sanjoy also alleged that cadres under the SoO agreement were receiving monthly stipends of Rs 6,000 and claimed that they were being transported from one location to another under the protection of security agencies to carry out attacks on civilians.
“The same security forces that are supposed to protect the people have failed to do so. If they cannot protect civilians, what is the use of their presence here?” he said, while raising the slogan, “Go back security forces.”
The AMUCO president further asserted that the Manipur crisis had now evolved into an international issue attracting global attention and scrutiny.
The organisations also issued a warning to legislators in the state, urging them to stand with the people and pressure the Centre to stop what they described as a “war against the indigenous people of Manipur.”
The AMUCO and allied organisations reaffirmed their resolve to continue democratic agitation until what they termed as “justice and protection for the indigenous population” is ensured.