Meitei Organizations Advocate for a Gun-Free Manipur, Express Gratitude to Amit Shah and Governor for Peace Efforts

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 decisions aimed at restoring peace in the violence-stricken state bordering Myanmar.

The Meitei Alliance, which serves as the global umbrella body for Meitei civil society organizations, issued a statement commending four specific measures: dismantling the drug trade network, ensuring free movement on roads and highways, taking action against extortionists, and accelerating border-fencing efforts.

“We deeply appreciate the decisive leadership of the Honourable Home Minister of India and the Governor of Manipur, whose recent directives mark a significant step toward restoring safety, security, and social harmony in the region,” the Meitei Alliance stated.

“One of the most crucial outcomes of this initiative has been the return of arms by civilians who had taken up weapons to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from external Kuki terrorist threats. This act reflects renewed trust in the central government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens and preventing militant groups from targeting innocent civilians,” the statement continued.

The Meitei Alliance emphasized that the Union Home Minister’s directive to guarantee free movement for the public on all roads in Manipur starting March 8 will be a step toward restoring Manipur’s “age-old, multi-ethnic, and pluralistic society.”

“It will also help revive the state’s ailing economy,” the Meitei Alliance noted, referring to the central government’s order to remove obstacles and illegal ‘check posts’ from roads and highways and to take action against those who obstruct the free movement of civilians.

“Furthermore, the Meitei Alliance is committed to engaging with various communities in Manipur to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives and explore pathways for peaceful coexistence. Dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation are essential in shaping a united and prosperous Manipur for future generations,” the statement added.

Manipur came under President’s rule after Chief Minister N Biren Singh and his council of ministers resigned on February 9. Following this, the Governor placed the assembly in suspended animation, meaning MLAs remain active but without powers, after the imposition of President’s rule.

The Association of Meiteis in the Americas (AMA) urged the government to take an additional step by implementing complete disarmament to create a gun-free Manipur.

“The presence of illegal arms has fueled violence, disrupted harmony, and hindered progress. Disarming all armed groups, regardless of affiliation, is essential to rebuilding trust, restoring law and order, and making Manipur great again,” the AMA stated.

“The people of Manipur deserve to live without fear, and we believe that a comprehensive disarmament strategy, along with the initiatives announced, will pave the way for lasting peace and prosperity,” it added.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla extended the one-week deadline for people from all communities to deposit looted and illegally held weapons until March 6. The previous deadline ended on February 27, the day Arambai Tenggol (AT) surrendered a large quantity of firearms to the security forces.

AT members also met with Governor Bhalla before the deadline ended, agreeing to hand over weapons on the condition that security forces take full responsibility for civilian safety and cease firing from bunkers on hilltops dominated by the Kuki tribes.

The AT describes itself as a cultural organization that was compelled to take up arms as “village volunteers” due to ineffective law enforcement in the early days of the ethnic violence. It claims that the lack of law enforcement led to Meitei villages in the foothills being attacked by Kuki militants.

However, the Kuki tribes have accused the AT of launching attacks on their villages along the inter-district borders after the first wave of clashes in May 2023. These attacks allegedly forced the Kuki tribes to take up arms and form village defense forces.

Many AT members, including its chief Korounganba Khuman, are named as accused in police cases and investigations being handled by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The valley-dominant Meitei community and over a dozen distinct tribes collectively known as Kuki, who dominate some hill areas of Manipur, have been engaged in conflict for nearly two years over issues such as land rights and political representation. Over 250 people have been killed, and 50,000 have been internally displaced.