The All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) and four other civil society organisations have warned the government against granting any form of autonomy in Manipur, stating that such an arrangement could lead to further fragmentation of the state.
Addressing a press conference at the AMUCO office in Kwakeithel, AMUCO president and convenor of the five organisations Sorokhaibam Sanjoy alleged that political developments and government policies had caused immense suffering to the people of Manipur. He also alleged that proxy militants were being used to kill innocent civilians.
The press conference was attended by representatives of AMUCO, the All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (PLMPAM), the Committee on Human Rights (COHR) and the Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF).
Referring to a meeting reportedly held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Mantripukhri on Wednesday evening in connection with the Bodoland Happiness Mission, Sanjoy questioned its purpose and expressed concern over its possible implications for Manipur.
He said the reported participation of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Boro, retired Lieutenant General Kalita and former Intelligence Bureau Special Director AK Mishra had raised concerns, particularly over Mishra’s reported involvement as a former interlocutor for Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups.
Sanjoy cautioned against any proposal for an arrangement similar to the Bodoland Territorial Council or the creation of an Autonomous District Council, alleging that such measures could eventually fuel demands for separate statehood and threaten Manipur’s territorial integrity.
Citing the formation of states in the Northeast from territories previously administered under autonomous district council arrangements, he warned that a similar development in Manipur could open the door to further division.
The five organisations expressed concern over the prevailing situation in the state and announced plans to launch various forms of agitation from Friday to protect Manipur’s territorial integrity.
They appealed to the people to unite and actively participate in the forthcoming movements, asserting that collective public action was essential to safeguard the unity and territorial integrity of Manipur.