In a strongly worded statement issued during a press meet held today, Imagi Meira, a prominent women’s civil society group, raised serious concerns over recent remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the ongoing conflict in Manipur. Convenor of Imagi Meira, Thokchom Sujata, who addressed the press, accused the Central government of ignoring the ground realities and betraying the sentiments of the Meitei people.
Speaking at the press conference, Sujata questioned the Home Minister’s recent comment that a new government in Manipur could be formed through an understanding between the Meitei and Kuki communities. She termed the statement “deeply insensitive and misleading,” especially in light of ongoing violence allegedly committed by Kuki militants and looters in the foothill and hill areas where Meitei communities reside.
“It is shocking that while Kuki-backed violence continues unchecked in many parts of the state, the Home Minister speaks of reconciliation without justice. How can peace be built when the violence is not even acknowledged?” Sujata asked.
She further stated that such comments, coming from the Union Home Minister, only expose the failure of the BJP-led government, which enjoys an absolute majority, to restore normalcy in Manipur. “National highways are repeatedly targeted, and innocent people are living in fear, yet Delhi remains indifferent,” she said.
The Convenor also criticised the silence of opposition leaders at both the state and national levels. “Even those sitting in the opposition benches have failed to take a firm stand. If they truly believe that forming a government in this situation is unjust, they must say it clearly and act decisively,” she said.
Imagi Meira also condemned the filing of FIRs by Kuki organisations against civil society leaders who have been vocal about the “Idea of Manipur” and the slogan “Manipur Kaiba Yaroi” (Let’s Save Manipur). Sujata warned that criminalising such slogans and peaceful expressions of dissent would only deepen the crisis.
“Filing FIRs to silence the voices of the people is a dangerous path. If expressing the desire to protect Manipur’s identity and integrity is a crime, then let it be known—we will not be silenced,” she declared.
She reiterated that the movement to protect Manipur’s territorial and cultural identity would continue, regardless of intimidation. “Suppressing our voices will not stop us. The people of Manipur will continue to speak up, louder than ever,” she concluded.
The press meet was held at the organisation’s office in Sagolband, where members of Imagi Meira reaffirmed their commitment to defending the rights and aspirations of the indigenous communities of Manipur.