Two key civil society organizations in Manipur’s Meitei community have expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for initiatives aimed at restoring peace in the violence-hit state. The Meitei Alliance commended measures to dismantle drug networks, ensure free movement on roads, combat extortion, and accelerate border-fencing. They noted the return of civilian arms as a positive step reflecting trust in the central government. Additionally, the Association of Meiteis in the Americas urged complete disarmament to foster safety and harmony. The ongoing ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki communities has led to significant violence and displacement.
Imphal:
Two prominent civil society organizations representing Manipur’s Meitei community have expressed their gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for their recent measures aimed at restoring peace in the conflict-affected state that borders Myanmar.
The Meitei Alliance, a global umbrella organization for Meitei civil society groups, issued a statement recognizing four specific initiatives: dismantling the drug trade network, promoting unrestricted movement on roads and highways, taking action against extortionists, and expediting border-fencing efforts.
“We sincerely appreciate the decisive leadership of the Honourable Home Minister of India and the Governor of Manipur, whose recent directives represent a crucial step toward reinstating safety, security, and social harmony in the region,” the Meitei Alliance remarked.
“A key outcome of this initiative has been the return of arms by civilians, who previously resorted to taking up arms to defend themselves, their families, and their communities against perceived threats from external Kuki terrorist factions. This act signifies a renewed confidence in the central government’s commitment to safeguarding all citizens and preventing militant groups from targeting innocent individuals,” they added.
The Meitei Alliance highlighted that the Union Home Minister’s directive to assure free movement for all individuals on roads across Manipur from March 8 would represent a movement toward rejuvenating the state’s “long-standing, multi-ethnic, and pluralistic society.”
“This will also aid in revitalizing the state’s struggling economy,” the Meitei Alliance noted, referring to the central government’s instructions to eliminate barriers and illegal ‘check posts’ from roads and highways, as well as to take action against those obstructing the free movement of civilians.
“Moreover, the Meitei Alliance is dedicated to interacting with various communities in Manipur to obtain a better understanding of their viewpoints and to explore avenues for peaceful coexistence. Open dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration are vital for building a united and prosperous Manipur for future generations,” they emphasized.
Manipur came under President’s rule following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and his council of ministers on February 9. After this, the Governor suspended the assembly, leaving MLAs active but without powers due to the imposition of President’s rule.
The Association of Meiteis in the Americas (AMA) issued a statement urging the government to go further by executing complete disarmament for a gun-free Manipur.
“The presence of illegal weapons has exacerbated violence, disrupted harmony, and obstructed the path to progress. Disarming all armed factions, regardless of their affiliation, is crucial in rebuilding trust, restoring law and order, and making Manipur great once more,” stated the AMA.
“The citizens of Manipur deserve to live without fear, and we believe that a comprehensive disarmament strategy, in conjunction with the recently announced initiatives, will pave the way for lasting peace and prosperity,” they concluded.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has extended the one-week deadline for individuals from all communities to return looted and illegal weapons until March 6. The previous deadline was February 27, coinciding with the Arambai Tenggol (AT) surrendering a significant amount of firearms to security forces.
Members of the AT also met with Governor Bhalla prior to the deadline and agreed to surrender their weapons on the condition that security forces take full responsibility for civilian safety and cease fire from hilltop bunkers dominated by the Kuki tribes.
The AT claims to be a cultural organization that was compelled to take up arms as “village volunteers” due to ineffective law enforcement during the initial stages of ethnic violence; they state that the lack of law enforcement led to attacks on Meitei villages in the foothills by Kuki militants.
However, the Kuki tribes allege that the AT initiated assaults on their villages along the inter-district borders following the first wave of clashes in May 2023, prompting the Kuki tribes to arm themselves and establish village defense forces.
Many AT members, including their leader Korounganba Khuman, have been named as suspects in various police cases, including those under investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The Meitei community, predominantly inhabiting the valley, and over a dozen distinct tribes collectively known as Kuki, dominant in certain hill areas of Manipur, have been embroiled in conflict for nearly two years over a wide array of issues, including land rights and political representation. The clashes have resulted in over 250 deaths and left 50,000 individuals internally displaced.