Manipur on edge as civil society rejects NDA resolution, gives ultimatum.

The recent killings in Manipur have outraged many and left Chief Minister N Biren Singh in a tough spot.

Imphal:

Meitei civil society organizations rejected governing party MLA proposals to stop Manipur’s spiraling violence and set a 24-hour deadline for “concrete steps” or “decisive action”.

This follows days of deaths in the Northeastern state, which has been volatile since Meitei-Kuki ethnic fighting last year. A recent cycle of violence in Jiribam murdered six individuals, including women and children. The N Biren Singh-led BJP is in trouble after civilian deaths.

The trapped Chief Minister held an NDA legislator meeting at his home yesterday to find a solution. According to Chief Minister’s Office sources, 27 of 38 MLAs skipped the meeting without explanation.

The resolution requires the central government to explore reimposing the Armed Forces Special Power Act in Manipur and launch a mass operation against Kuki terrorists accused of Jiribam killings within seven days. The legislators also want the NIA to investigate three major murders.They consider Kuki militants guilty for Jiribam massacre “unlawful organization”.

“If the aforementioned resolutions taken are not followed within the stipulated period, all NDA Legislators will decide the future course of action in consultation with the people of the state,” the Chief Minister’s Secretariat resolution states.

However, civil society is unhappy. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, an umbrella body of Meitei outfits, looked forward to the governing party MLA meeting, according to Khuraijam Athouba. Manipur residents are unhappy with the resolutions. They would launch widespread operations against Kuki militants who killed six innocent women and children in Jiribam. We have reported that the crime has occurred in Jiribam and other Manipur cities since May 2023. He added Manipur residents want the state administration and legislators to hold all SoO organizations accountable and conduct operations against them.

Kuki Insurgent Deal Expired: Civil Group Calls for Action Amid Tensions

The Centre has a Suspension of Operation deal with Kuki insurgent factions. The SoO deal requires insurgents to stay in camps and lock up their weapons for joint monitoring by the military and Kuki militants. SoO expired in February. The administration has not confirmed renewal. The confrontation of 10 suspected Kuki militants on November 11 implies the SoO agreement has not been renewed, sources said.

The civil society group wants all SoO groups declared illegal and their Centre agreement void.

“Government or legislators need not consult the public again. Our position is clear. We ask the government to study this resolution and propose a better one within 24 hours. Our agitation will increase if they don’t. The COCOMI spokesperson stated state and central government offices will be closed first.

Northeastern state’s situation has alarmed Centre’s security establishment. In Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has met with top authorities and urged them to promote peace.

The Union Home Ministry promises harsh punishment for violent offenders. The Centre reinstated the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in six police stations, including Jiribam.

After ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups last year, over 200 people died and others were displaced.