Guwahati:
Unrest has broken out again in Manipur over the past two days. Violent protests have continued in the valley and the houses of several ministers and MLAs have been attacked by mobs. Now, tension is simmering in the Imphal Valley region as civil society organizations have issued an ultimatum to the Center and the state government to take “decisive action” against armed groups or face public wrath.
Last night, huge mobs gathered and attacked the homes and properties of ministers and MLAs, angry over months of ongoing violence.
The reason was news of the discovery of the decomposed bodies of six people who were allegedly taken hostage after the shooting in Jiribam, in which ten Kuki militants were killed.
Civil society organizations from the Meiteis-dominated valley have given an ultimatum.
“All MLAs and other leaders must come together to take decisive action to resolve the current crisis as soon as possible,” said Khuraijam Athouba, spokesperson of COCOMI, demanding urgent military action against the terrorists and the armed groups.
“If they do not take decisive action that will satisfy the people, the government will bear the brunt of the people’s dissatisfaction and anger,” he added.
The state cabinet has urged the Center to review and withdraw the reintroduction of AFSPA in six police station areas. The opposition is trying to corner the state and the centre.
“We have already said that if necessary, the crisis can be resolved if we as MLAs resign and then we are ready,” said Leader of the Opposition Okram Ibobi Singh.
The responsibility for the situation, he stressed, lies with the state and the Centre. “There is a complete collapse of the constitutional apparatus. This is the responsibility of the government and they cannot avoid it,” he added. The Center has rushed top CRPF officials to the state.
Meanwhile, in the Kuk-Zo dominated areas, their tribal body has demanded comprehensive AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) coverage for the Valley districts of the state.
Sadar Hills Tribal Unity Committee in Kangpokpi district has issued a strong statement calling on the Union Home Ministry to extend AFSPA to all thirteen remaining police stations in Manipur’s valley districts and withdraw the law from the hill areas, including Leimakhong.
Community protests have intensified over the Jiribam crisis.
“Enough is enough. Our calls for justice can no longer be silenced. Today we are marching not only for our fallen brothers and sisters, but also for the dignity of our people and the rule of law,” said Sylvia, a human rights activist from Kangpokpi.