IT News
Imphal, June 23:
The Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) has raised concerns about the recent heavy deployment of Indian security forces in the region, alleging it is part of a hidden agenda by India to divide Manipur in the same way central government did in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.
According to a statement released by MIYC today, the increased military presence is aimed at undermining India’s federal structure and imposing greater control over the state. The statement added that at this juncture, the Manipur government should take a decisive stand against these impositions.
In the statement, the MIYC highlighted that the deployment of security forces in large numbers has resulted in widespread fear and disruption among the local population. They asserted that “this move is not a measure to restore law and order but a strategic ploy to break Manipur, akin to the situation in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.” MIYC pointed out that prior to the abrogation of Article 370, “heavy military deployment in Jammu and Kashmir was done.”
Furthermore, the MIYC claims that “India is fostering a proxy war in Manipur, using the Kukis to further its interests.” This includes allegations of Indian security forces training Kuki militants, including training for manufacturing bombs in Kamjong District, as reported by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM). They also mentioned that “not only is India helping the Burmese PDF, but the USA is helping the Kukis in the name of establishing a Christian country, as Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pointed out.”
The MIYC also drew attention to the propaganda efforts by Kuki groups aimed at portraying themselves as victims to the International Commission of Jurists while allegedly engaging in activities that disrupt regional stability. Given this, the ICJ has asked the government of Manipur to stop deporting the Burmese Kuki refugees back to Myanmar, even though it has been done in coordination with the Myanmar government.
They criticized the government’s alleged complicity in enabling Kuki migrants from Myanmar “to obtain Aadhaar cards and voting rights, thus legitimizing their presence and influence.”
In light of these issues, the MIYC expressed deep concern over proposals to create a separate Kuki state or union territory, which they believe are being quietly advanced under the guise of administrative reorganization. They cited a May 2024 report by HR Meena of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, which suggests the potential establishment of ‘Kukiland’ through amendments to the Indian Constitution and the North-Eastern Reorganisation Act of 1971. The report has been sent to Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
The MIYC urged the people of Manipur to stay vigilant and united against these perceived threats. They called for a collective effort from civil society organizations and community leaders to oppose any moves by the Government of India, similar to what was done in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, that could fragment the state or compromise its autonomy.