IT News
Imphal, June 21:
All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) has organized a Sit-In-Protest at the Main Gate of Cheirap Court Complex today to voice their concerns over the current crisis in the state. The protest, held under the theme “one nation one state. Stop divide and rule policy,” aimed to draw attention to the escalating issues facing Manipur.
During the protest, P Tomcha Meetei, President of the All Manipur Bar Association, strongly denounced what he described as the genocide of Meiteis in the hill districts of Manipur. He condemned the burning and destruction of Meitei homes, as well as the forced displacement of Meitei communities. Meetei criticized the central government for its perceived inaction, despite repeatedly acknowledging external aggression, even in parliamentary sessions. He pointed out the discrepancy where law and order are state subjects, but illegal immigration falls under central jurisdiction. Meetei expressed concern over the government’s narrative that perpetuates divisions between Meitei and Kuki communities, which he believes has contributed to ongoing violence and a divide-and-rule strategy evident in places like Jiribam.
Khaidem Mani, a former Chairman of MHRC and prominent senior lawyer, who was also present at the protest has characterized Manipur as being in a state of “suspended animation,” likening it to a frozen or dead state. He criticized the Manipur state government, alleging that all major decisions are being orchestrated through the Director General of Police (DGP) and the security advisor under the direct guidance of the central Home Ministry. Mani highlighted a recent high-level security meeting in Delhi, where Chief Minister Biren was conspicuously absent while the Chief Secretary, security advisor, and DGP participated. He criticized the explanation that it was an executive meeting and stressed that as the head of the executive, the Chief Minister should have been included. Mani further emphasized that the Chief Minister also heads the security and home department in the state.
