Asem Bhakta, Special Correspondent North East
New Delhi: (Waari Singbul Network) Leading Manipuri civil society organizations based in Delhi have submitted an urgent memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for immediate action to protect Meitei civilians from escalating violence allegedly perpetrated by armed Kuki militants in Manipur. The organizations—Delhi Manipuri Society (DeMAS), Meitei Heritage Society, and Ningols United Progressive Initiative (NUPI)—expressed their concerns over the deteriorating security situation and called for decisive measures to prevent further bloodshed.
The memorandum highlights a series of attacks launched by Kuki militants against Meitei communities starting on September 1, 2024, following nationwide rallies by Kuki-Zo tribal groups demanding a separate Union Territory.
According to the memo, these armed groups have used drones and missiles in coordinated assaults on Meitei civilians in areas such as Imphal West, Moirang, and Jiribam. The violence has resulted in several casualties, including the death of a 31-year-old woman and a 70-year-old ritual event manager, while leaving many others injured.
The memo submitted on September 20, detailed specific incidents, including a drone bombing that ravaged the Koutruk and Senjam Chirang areas in Imphal West, killing four civilians and injuring several others. Eyewitnesses and reports confirmed that drones dropped over 50 bombs on the villages during the assault, indicating the use of sophisticated technology that civil society groups argue points to external involvement.
The memorandum further accused Kuki militants of using an ambulance registered under the Kuki Students’ Organization (KSO) to infiltrate and carry out attacks, including a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a fleeing civilian.
In response to the escalating violence, the Delhi-based Manipuri groups are urging the central government to:
1. Investigate the involvement of Kuki Students’ Organization and other groups in the attacks on Meitei civilians.
2. Revoke the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant outfits, accusing them of violating its terms.
3. Classify the militant groups responsible for these attacks as terrorist organizations.
4. Conduct a comprehensive crackdown on armed Kuki militants and their alleged foreign connections, which the groups claim are fueling the ongoing violence.
The memo included links to media reports and police posts corroborating the incidents. It also highlighted concerns about the threat to national security, stressing the need for urgent intervention to preserve Manipur’s territorial integrity and restore peace in the region.
The civil society organizations have also copied the memorandum to Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, underscoring the urgency of their appeal for governmental intervention.
