‘We must take our own decisions to save Manipur’

Imphal: Indian Union is responsible for instigating the crises and violence in Manipur, by making false promises to certain community-based armed groups, alleged All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) in a mass public rally held at Imphal on Tuesday.

“We demand to live together, work together, and make our own decisions not to go by decisions imposed by the Indian Union to save Manipur,” said AMUCO president P. Nando.

The people’s rally was organised by AMUCO, Poirei Leimarol, AMAWOVA, the Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights (COHR), and the Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF) protesting against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA), and ‘Terrorist Actions’.

Protestors from various parts of the valley, including students, gathered at the Thangmeiband Athletic Union ground in Imphal West. The rally marched through Gandhi Memorial Hall and concluded at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal East.

The demonstrators raised slogans “Do not obliterate Manipur,” “Repeal AFSPA,” “Long live Manipur,” and “Self-determination is our birthright.”

Nando told reporters that since Manipur’s merger with the Indian Union, its people have faced severe human rights violations. “We do not want to blame those terrorists for the ongoing crisis as they have been instigated by the Indian Union, through false promises made to certain community-based armed groups. These groups, designed and sponsored by the Union government, have taken up arms against Manipuris after those promises were not fulfilled.”

He accused security forces of abusing their powers under AFSPA, leading to the loss of many innocent lives.

In this crisis, many have been killed and several go missing, he said. He cited the case of Kamalbabu from Assam, who has been missing since November 25 after entering the cantonment of the 57 Mountain Division.

“Despite public outcry, Kamalbabu cannot be traced and central forces have refused to take responsibility,” he said.

“AFSPA has been reimposed in some valley areas. We can no longer endure the mistreatment by the Indian Union.” .

Nando criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his ‘negligence’ of the violence and suffering in Manipur while focusing on international issues. “The Prime Minister travels to other countries to address violence elsewhere but has ignored the issues in his own country, which have persisted for 19 months.”

People from across Manipur except Kuki-Zo communities participate the rally demonstration, Nando said.

All business establishments, educational institutions, government offices, and public transport remained shut.