The Manipur People’s Party (MPP) has criticised the state government for allegedly failing to grant its delegation an appointment with the Governor and Chief Minister to raise concerns over the killing of civilians at Nongshum, saying the delay reflects disrespect towards the state’s oldest regional political party and the people it represents.
Addressing a press conference at the party office near Pologround, MPP spokesperson Dr. Seram Rojesh said the party had sought appointments with both constitutional authorities more than a week ago but had received no response.
He termed the alleged denial of an audience an insult to the MPP and an affront to the people of Manipur, stating that the party strongly condemned the government’s attitude.
Rojesh also demanded the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and the disarming of all armed groups operating under it. Referring to the Supreme Court’s observations concerning the use of armed civilian groups in the Salwa Judum case in Chhattisgarh, he argued that civilians should not be allowed to possess weapons in the name of security.
He pointed out that a resolution favouring the abrogation of the SoO arrangement had also been adopted during an Assembly session and urged the present government to implement it.
Reacting to Union Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam’s reported statement that the SoO agreement had not been extended and that the decision was effectively equivalent to abrogation, Rojesh questioned why 13 designated SoO camps continued to operate if the arrangement had actually ceased.
The MPP spokesperson further expressed concern over the continued displacement of people, stating that while the state was preparing to celebrate Ningol Chakkouba, thousands of displaced people remained in relief camps, unable to return to their homes.
He demanded the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and accused the government of failing to protect the lives and properties of citizens.
Questioning the government’s claims of free movement, Rojesh said the ground reality did not reflect the constitutional guarantee of freedom of movement, as people continued to face restrictions and insecurity in different parts of the state.