All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) president Sanjoy Sorokhaibam on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Central Government, alleging that it lacks the political will to identify and expose all those responsible for attempts to destroy Manipur and its people.
Speaking at a sit-in protest held at Takyel Khongban Maning Leikai, Sanjoy Sorokhaibam declared that the people of Manipur would continue their struggle to protect the state “through sleepless nights and endless sacrifices” until peace and security are restored.
The protest was organised by the Pungsumbam Leikai Women Welfare Association under the aegis of All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation, Manipur Students’ Federation, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, All Manipur Women Voluntary Association and Committee On Human Rights in condemnation of the killing of three civilians, including two children, allegedly by Kuki militants and CRPF personnel at Tronglaobi.
Protesters held placards reading “Stop Killing Innocent Civilians”, “Withdraw SoO”, “We Oppose the Policies of the Central Government”, “Manipur Must Not Be Divided” and “We Will Defend Our Land”.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjoy Sorokhaibam alleged that although the Centre may have partial knowledge of those involved in destabilising the state, it has failed to act decisively. He further claimed that more than three years of violence and unrest have continued unchecked despite large-scale deployment of security forces across the state.
He alleged that repeated search operations and arms recoveries have failed to bring any meaningful resolution, while several hill areas continue to remain beyond effective state control. Calling the ongoing conflict a “proxy war”, he accused the Government of India of using Kuki militant groups as instruments in attempts to divide the indigenous communities of Manipur.
The AMUCO leader also accused the Manipur Government of remaining a “silent spectator” to what he termed an open campaign of “genocide” being carried out under the authority of the Centre.
Warning of intensified public agitation, he said if the state government fails to take urgent and decisive steps to rescue civilians allegedly held captive by armed groups, the growing wave of public anger and resistance would escalate further across the state.
Speaking at the same protest, Naorem Thoithoibi Leima questioned why the truth behind the deaths of two children in the alleged bomb attack at Tronglaobi had still not been brought to light.
She alleged that Central forces deployed in large numbers in the state had failed to protect civilians and instead acted against the interests of the people. Demanding the withdrawal of Central forces from Manipur, she asserted that the people themselves would defend their land if the authorities remained incapable of ensuring public safety.
She further warned that continued silence over the alleged involvement of armed Kuki militants in attacks on civilians could trigger a stronger public backlash against those in positions of authority.