IT News
Imphal, Feb 24:
The Meitei Alliance, a coalition of Meitei diaspora associations, has urged the Manipur government to ensure impartial law enforcement to restore public trust. In a memorandum addressed to the Governor of Manipur, the alliance expressed concerns over the security situation, the disarmament process, and the need for fair implementation of the law.
While acknowledging the state government’s recent seven-day amnesty for the surrender of arms, the alliance stressed that law enforcement efforts must be conducted without bias. They raised concerns that selectively targeting looted weapons while allowing certain armed militants to remain unpunished only deepens public skepticism and weakens confidence in the authorities.
The memorandum emphasized that genuine peace can only be achieved when citizens feel safe and protected. It pointed out that the failure of security forces to prevent attacks has forced many individuals to arm themselves in self-defense. To address this, the alliance called for the relocation of militant camps under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement to remote areas, far from highways and civilian settlements, as a means to foster public confidence.
The alliance also underscored the urgency of resettling displaced individuals without further delay. They demanded strict action against militant groups that continue to disrupt public safety and block national highways, creating economic instability and hardship for residents.
Another major concern highlighted in the memorandum was the continued enforcement of buffer zones that separate communities. The alliance argued that these artificial barriers are delaying reconciliation and contributing to further division. They called for their removal to pave the way for peace and unity.
The ongoing conflict has also severely impacted children, affecting their education, mental well-being, and overall future. The alliance urged immediate intervention to ensure a safe learning environment, warning that the prolonged crisis could result in long-term societal consequences.
Additionally, the memorandum raised concerns about the future of young volunteers from the Village Defense Force (VDF) who took up arms in the absence of security forces. The alliance emphasized that these individuals should not face legal repercussions but instead be given opportunities to contribute positively. They suggested forming a specialized security unit, such as a highway protection force, to productively channel their skills while ensuring public safety.
Highlighting the crucial role of national highways, the alliance condemned the influence of militant groups in restricting the free movement of goods and people. They pointed out that roadblocks and threats have led to a sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities, particularly affecting residents of Imphal. They called for immediate intervention to ensure unrestricted movement along key highways to restore economic stability.
The memorandum concluded with an appeal for decisive action, urging the government to enforce fairness and accountability. The Meitei Alliance stated that true peace can only be restored when justice is impartial and security measures are uniformly implemented, ensuring equal protection for all communities.
