‘Neutralise Kuki militants first’

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 12 : Former Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar has urged the State Government to stop the aggression of Kuki militants first and pursue the peace talks later.
Speaking to the media, Joykumar, who is also the National vice president of NPP continued that the incumbent Government despite having 32 BJP MLAs and winning the  support of other parties is too weak and unstable.
Saying that the aggression of Kuki militants has escalated once again, he said that there is no sign of normalcy returning to Manipur anytime soon.
People thought there would be some positive development to bring Manipur to the path of peace after the Ministry of Home Affairs convened a meeting of Meetei, Kuki and Naga legislators last month, he said and added the hope of peace has been shattered again.
He continued that all communities working in Manipur should work together mindfully to restore normalcy in the State.
Saying that NPP decided to remain silent until the party takes a concrete action whether to continue supporting BJP led Government or not, Joykumar said that they however can't remain a mute spectator to the unfolding situation in Manipur.
Kukis disrespect the State Government and the same can be seen from their conduct, he said and added that it would be right for the Government to work  out a solution to the protracted crisis besieging Manipur.
At one time Manipur police was known for its valour and neutrality, he said and added that the State force had also played a key role in safeguarding the State.
Saying that it was  the Manipur police which prevented NSCM (IM) leader Th Muivah from entering Manipur, he claimed that the Manipur police have become weak under the present regime.
BJP which won 32 seats (absolute majority) in the Assembly election is having the support of NPF, NPP and JD (U) in running the Government, Joykumar continued and added that the State Government can do so many things to stop the crisis in Manipur.
Saying that the dissent among the BJP MLAs is one big factor which is hindering the peace process, he claimed that many are eyeing the Chief Minister's post.
The Chief Minister has an immense role to play to bring normalcy in the State, he said and added that N Biren, however, is unable to hold a meeting with all the BJP MLAs let alone end the unrest.
Why is there dissent among the BJP MLAs, he asked.
Joykumar also said that the Chief Minister should discuss the means to restore normalcy with all community leaders be it Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Meitei Pangal or Nepali.
The future of Manipur will be gloomy if  the Chief Minister doesn't make his presence felt.
Saying that the unrest in Manipur may not have taken  place in the first place if the State Government and Manipur police had done their job, he said that the Government needs to  work without any prejudice to build confidence among the  people.
Meiteis are helpless in Moreh as the  border town has been occupied by Kukis, he said and added that Kukis now have set their eyes on Jiribam.