Kuki Tribal Bodies Renew Call for AFSPA in Manipur Valley

The Committee on Tribal Unity, or the CoTU, Sadar Hills and the Thadou Youth Association, or the TYA, Sadar Hills Branch have voiced serious concerned over the safety of Central Security Forces in Manipur in the aftermath of the audacious abduction of a CRPF Jawan on the morning of May 8 along the National Highway 2 in broad daylight.

The Committee on Tribal Unity, Kangpokpi draw the attention of the Central Government, especially the Home Ministry, to the questionable safety of the Central Security Forces, particularly the Central Reserve Police Forces (CRPF), from the clutches of secessionist Valley-Based Insurgent Group, or the VBIG, in the state of Manipur.

The Committee underscored the gravity of the situation, condemning the incumbent Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, and his allies for their reprehensible attempt to absolve the state and their secessionist VBIG from culpability in the shocking ambush of CRPF forces at Naranseina last month. This brazen maneuver, they declared, is not only deeply concerning but also highlights severe lapses in security protocols, warranting immediate attention and action.

The Committee also asserted that the recent abduction of CRPF personnel, Lensat Sitlhou, at Shantipur in the Nepali-dominated Kanglatongbi area on May 8 by Meitei militants and Arambai Tenggol, constitutes a serious violation of the status quo in buffer zones, as established along the geographical divide.

"Hence, to uphold their efficiency, the Central Security Forces must be shielded from any political interference by the state", CoTU stated.

While emphasizing the need to recover the looted arms from the state armory, CoTU stated that the Central Security Forces should be endowed with increased authority through the immediate imposition of the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) in all 19 Police Stations within greater Imphal, aiming to thwart the disintegration and Talibanization efforts of these secessionist VBIGs in the North Eastern states.

Similarly, the Thadou Youth Association, or the TYA has expressed grave concern regarding the safety of Central Forces amid the ongoing crisis in Manipur asserting that security personnel have been victimized through political manipulation.

Citing recent incidents, such as the attack on CRPF personnel allegedly by Meitei radicalist militants in Naranseina, Bishenpur on April 27, which resulted in casualties and injuries, the TYA highlighted the precarious situation faced by security personnel.

It also stated that the distressing development on May 8, where a CRPF personnel was abducted in broad daylight at Shantipur, further underscored the risks faced by security forces while mentioning that the victim had reportedly been subjected to torture and sustained critical injuries, prompting urgent medical attention.

The TYA emphasized that such targeted attacks not only jeopardize the safety of security personnel but also undermine law and order, paving the way for separatist agendas.

"If the guardians of the masses, those men in uniform, are not secure, it becomes a distant hope for civilians to experience peace and harmony", stated TYA.

While vehemently condemning the prolonged ethnic-based political crisis in Manipur, the TYA expressed dismay over the lack of concrete action from the Central Government to address the escalating violence in the state.

"The crisis in Manipur is viewed as one of the most severe globally and has garnered condemnation from numerous organizations. Yet, it remains unresolved and unaddressed, as there seems to be no guiding force to lead us out of this turmoil", it stated.

"With the crisis entering its second year without significant progress, concerns mount over the repercussions for civilian safety and the overall democratic fabric of the region", it further stated.

Calling on the Central Government to prioritize resolving the crisis, the TYA emphasized the urgent need for the government to implement all necessary measures to tackle the enduring division caused by ethnic-based political crises as such divisions are deemed unwarranted and inconsequential in a diverse nation like India