Five influential civil society organisations in Manipur have submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, sharply criticising central security forces for allegedly supplying arms, bombs, and sophisticated weapons to both SoO and Non-SoO militant groups to target innocent civilians, particularly in the valley areas.
The joint delegation comprised leaders from the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), People’s Liberation Movement of Progressive and Amity Manipur (PLMPAM), All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF), and Committee on Human Rights (COHR).
In the memorandum, the organisations raised grave concerns over what they termed a systematic attempt to perpetrate genocide against the indigenous people of Manipur.
They highlighted that despite clear assurances that those responsible for recent violent incidents would be arrested within 24 hours, no concrete action has been taken. The leaders described the conduct of central forces — which has led to civilian injuries — as unreasonable and part of a calculated plan for ethnic cleansing of valley communities.
After submitting the memorandum, AMUCO President Sorokhaibam Sanjoy addressed the media, holding both the state and central governments accountable for safeguarding lives and properties in the state.
“Manipuri people have protected the territorial integrity of Manipur for more than 2000 years. We cannot tolerate central forces using SoO and Non-SoO militants as tools to attack our innocent civilians by arming them with modern weapons and explosives,” Sanjoy asserted.
He firmly opposed the movement of sophisticated weapons in peripheral and hill areas if intended to target residents of the valley, and rejected any selective policy of disarming only the valley regions.Sanjoy also warned that if the central and state governments fail to respond to the people’s aspirations, the five organisations will have no option but to launch intense agitations throughout the state.
Reaffirming their commitment, he stated that the organisations will stand united with the indigenous communities of Manipur, who are facing threats from illegal immigrants and alleged attempts at genocide.
The AMUCO president further urged Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to utilise the powers vested in the Unified Command structure to immediately address these concerns and ensure the protection of the people.
The Chief Minister has reportedly assured the delegation of a timely response regarding the arrest of perpetrators involved in recent incidents. The organisations said they would await concrete action from the government.
Sanjoy also appealed to the general public for complete support to the initiatives of the five organisations and called upon everyone to shoulder collective responsibility in building a peaceful and secure future for Manipur.
Naorem Mohen is the Editor of Signpost News. Explore his views and opinion on X: @laimacha.
Naorem Mohen
View More PostsNaorem Mohen is the Editor of Signpost News. Explore his views and opinion on X: @laimacha.
