MMAB commended the decisive directive of Home Minister Amit Shah, ensuring free and unrestricted movement across Manipur, including the National Highways, from March 8. “This initiative is a major step toward restoring normalcy and upholding the fundamental rights of all citizens” It said
TFM Desk
The Manipuri Meitei Association, Bangalore (MMAB) has extended its gratitude to the Central and State administrations for their sustained efforts in addressing the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
In press statement issued by its president Maj Rajkumar Jhaljit Singh (Retd) and general secretary. Nongthombam John Singh, MMAB said the recent directives mark a significant step toward restoring peace, security, and social harmony in the region.
It noted that one of the most crucial outcomes of these initiatives has been the voluntary return of arms by civilians, reflecting renewed trust in the Central Government’s commitment to safeguarding all citizens and preventing militant groups from targeting innocent people. This development is a clear indication that the people of Manipur seek peace and harmony, it added.
MMAB commended the decisive directive of Home Minister Amit Shah, ensuring free and unrestricted movement across Manipur, including the National Highways, from March 8. “This initiative is a major step toward restoring normalcy and upholding the fundamental rights of all citizens” It said.
However, MMAB strongly condemned the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) led by Kuki both backed by Kuki militant groups for openly rejecting this directive. “Such actions directly challenge the authority of the Indian Constitution and Indian Government and obstruct efforts to restore lasting peace in the region,” said the statement.
Highlighting that since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, these very organizations instigated unrest under the guise of a so-called peaceful rally-brandishing sophisticated automatic weapons-which unleashed widespread atrocities and destruction, MMAB urged the authorities to take decisive action against those responsible for inciting violence and ensure that justice is served.
Furthermore, it called for the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups. “With civilians voluntarily surrendering their arms, the continued armed presence of militants poses a severe threat to innocent lives. True and lasting peace can only be achieved if all militant groups are completely disarmed and held accountable for their actions,” said MMAB in the statement.
MMAB maintained that it remains committed to working towards a peaceful, secure, and united Manipur. “We stand in full support of all efforts aimed at restoring stability and ensuring that no community is subjected to violence or displacement,” it said.