IT News
Imphal, Jan 19:
The All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs Organisation (AMMPACO) today called on all sections of society to work together for the restoration of peace and tranquility in the state.
In a meeting with the media at Lilong Keithel, the working president of AMMPACO, Rahman Yumkhaibam, stated that Manipur is currently experiencing a state of lawlessness, where the government has failed to control even its own security forces, such as the Assam Rifles.
“For over 8 months, the people of the state have been living in a hell-like situation, with no leaders coming forward to solve the problem,” Rahman said. He added that if the present government cannot control the situation, it would be better for them to hand over power to the people. He mentioned that Kuki militants, instead of fighting their counterparts, have started killing unarmed civilians. Rahman was referring to the recent killing of 4 individuals, including a father and son, in the Haotak area, who were collecting firewood. Additionally, 5 civilians were killed by Kuki militants yesterday in Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou.
“The armed Kuki militants are deliberately targeting unarmed villagers, and there is evidence of armed militant groups violating the ground rules under suspension of operation with the central government,” he said. Rahman added that the Assam Rifles and other central forces are not controlling the SoO (Suspension of Operation) cadres and armed militants, and they remain silent spectators when civilians are killed. The continuous killing of civilians and the state’s turmoil affect all communities equally, providing no reason for other communities to stay away from the conflict.
He questioned who is leading the Unified Command and why they were reluctant to control the violence, which has resulted in the deaths of several innocent people. AMMPACO demands the resignation of this leader and the appointment of someone from the state who can effectively lead the Unified Command.
The working president of AMMPACO stated that if the situation continues, the anger of the people may explode, and the situation may worsen if not addressed promptly.
Rahman emphasized that AMMPACO demands the abrogation of the Suspension of Operation with the Kuki Militants, as they have violated the ground rules, and the removal of the Assam Rifles, as they are ineffective in controlling the situation in Manipur.