The Meitei Alliance has called on the Manipur Governor to ensure unbiased action against all armed factions, urging the dismantling of buffer zones, resettlement of displaced families, and stricter control over militant groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
BY PC Bureau
Manipur Crisis: Meitei Alliance Urges Governor for Impartial Law Enforcement
Imphal, February 24, 2025: Amid ongoing tensions in Manipur, the Meitei Alliance has submitted a memorandum to Governor Ajay Bhalla, calling for unbiased law enforcement to restore public confidence. The appeal follows the state government’s recent seven-day amnesty program for the return of arms. The Alliance warned that selective enforcement risks deepening mistrust among communities.
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Meitei Alliance’s Call for Justice
The Meitei Alliance, a coalition of civil society organizations advocating for the rights and security of the Meitei people, emphasized the need for neutral security operations. The memorandum highlights grievances over the state’s handling of violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, alleging that Kuki militants were the first to introduce automatic weapons into the conflict.
“The first recorded use of automatic weapons in this crisis occurred during the so-called ‘peace rally’ organized by Kuki groups in Churachandpur. The failure to identify and prosecute the two militants who brandished assault rifles that day has only fueled public skepticism toward the government and security forces,” the memorandum states.
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Ensuring a Conducive Environment for Peace
The memorandum asserts that peace cannot be achieved without ensuring that all communities feel equally protected. It argues that government forces have failed to prevent attacks, leaving many civilians— including women and children— with no choice but to arm themselves for self-defense.
“No village should live in perpetual fear of Kuki militant attacks. While the amnesty initiative to collect arms is appreciated, it must apply uniformly across all groups, including those under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. Otherwise, it risks being seen as a hollow gesture—disarming one section while allowing others to remain armed and unchallenged,” the document reads.
The Alliance also called for relocating SoO militant camps away from national highways and public settlements, stating that such a move would go a long way in rebuilding public confidence.
Resettlement and Highway Security
The memorandum urges authorities to expedite the resettlement of displaced persons and dismantle roadblocks set up by militant groups. The blockade of national highways has severely impacted the availability of essential goods, driving up prices and causing widespread distress in Imphal.
“The national highways must be secured immediately. No militant group should dictate the free movement of goods and people. The skyrocketing prices of essential commodities are terrorizing citizens. Ensuring unrestricted access to these roads is imperative for restoring normalcy,” the Alliance asserted.
A Plea for Fairness and Accountability
The Meitei Alliance contends that lasting peace is only possible through impartial justice. It calls on the Governor to take decisive action against all perpetrators of violence, beginning with those responsible for the initial armed attacks.
“True peace will emerge only through fairness and accountability. The government must demonstrate impartial justice to rebuild trust and encourage the voluntary surrender of arms. Additionally, armed groups under SoO must be strictly monitored; without clear enforcement, peace will remain elusive,” the memorandum states.
Key Demands from the Meitei Alliance
The memorandum lists four key areas requiring immediate government intervention:
- Dismantling Artificial Buffer Zones – The Alliance opposes enforced buffer zones separating communities, arguing that these only deepen divisions and hinder reconciliation.
- Protecting Children’s Future – The ongoing conflict has severely impacted children’s education and mental health. The Alliance warns that failure to address this issue will leave an entire generation scarred.
- Securing the Future of VDF Youths – Many young individuals took up arms in the absence of security forces. The memorandum proposes the formation of a specialized unit, such as a highway protection force, to integrate them into productive roles.
- Ensuring Unhindered Access to Highways – The memorandum urges the government to ensure that national highways remain free from militant control to stabilize the state’s economy.
Appeal for Urgent Government Action
The Meitei Alliance concludes by urging the Governor to lead with unwavering commitment to justice and security. “It is never too late to take decisive action. We request your leadership in steering the state toward lasting peace and stability,” the memorandum states.
The Governor’s office has yet to respond to the memorandum, but sources indicate that discussions on its demands are underway. Meanwhile, tensions in Manipur continue, with political factions within the ruling BJP still divided over leadership issues, further complicating governance in the state.
