WMC urges GoI to take decisive action Abrogate SoO call reiterated

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Sep 19: Categorically stating that peace will return to Manipur only when Chin-Kuki militants are stopped from further violence, the World Meetei Council (WMC) has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to direct the Army and Assam Rifles to act decisively in this regard.
The WMC submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah today and pointed out that Chin-Kuki perpetrators have escalated violence by attacking Meetei villages using sophisticated drones and rockets since September 1.
Taking due note of the Union Home Minister’s recent statements who put emphasis on border fencing and suspension of the Free Movement Regime to curb illegal migration, the WMC asserted that these measures may help reduce infiltration from across the border but they do not address the root causes of the ongoing conflict.
It also pointed out that the Suspension of Operation (SoO) arrangement empowers Chin-Kuki militants, most of whom are illegal migrants, further escalating violence.
It then urged the Union Home Minister to revoke the SoO agreement in order to stop the violent activities of Chin-Kuki militants. The immediate priority must be to halt the attacks on Meetei villages by Chin-Kuki groups, the WMC asserted.
Reports indicate that these groups are under the influence of the Army and Assam Rifles. Strong directives from the highest levels of Government, including intervention by the Prime Minister, are needed to bring their actions under control, it added.