FOCS flays

By Our  Staff  Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 16 : The Fe-deration of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Mani-pur has contended that the imposition of President's Rule (PR) in Manipur is actually a power grab by the Central Government.
FOCS, in a statement signed by its secretary of information & public relations Nerish Mangang, claimed that the Central Government exploited the political uncertainty in Manipur following the resignation of former Chief Minister N Biren to seize control of the State's law and order and pursue their own interests and agenda.
Saying that they take strong exception to the crackdown on village volunteers who come out to de- fend the territorial integrity of Manipur, FOCS claimed the crisis in Manipur  was instigated by Kuki-Zo people who want to disintegrate Manipur.
If the crackdown on village volunteers continues, it may lead to a mass uprising, FOCS cautioned.
The Central paramilitary force should also refrain from intimidating village volunteers and womenfolk, the federation demanded while urging the relevant authorities to deploy  Central forces at foothill areas adjacent to Kuki villages to prevent attack on Meetei villages. Continuing that a lull in armed attacks does not necessarily mean peace has prevailed, the federation urged the Central Government to take up necessary steps to resettle the internally displaced people (IDPs). Further stating that placing Manipur under PR has created a sense of anxiety and apprehension among the people, FOCS urged all concerned to select a new leader and work towards restoring normalcy.