Crisis in Manipur a state-sponsored violence or riot, says National Federation of Indian Women

A fact-finding team from the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) has claimed that the ongoing crisis in Manipur, which began on May 3, 2023 in Churachandpur, was a 'state-sponsored violence or riot'.

Speaking to the media at Manipur Press Club, Imphal, on Saturday, the General Secretary of NFIW, Annie Raja said the Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, should take moral and political responsibility for all that has been happening in the State and he should have resigned from the Chief Minister post.

Annie Raja has informed that the fact-finding team has conducted three and half days fact-finding in the state of Manipur by visiting both Meitei-dominated areas and the Kuki-dominated areas. She said the federation came to the conclusion that the May 3 violence or riot was a ‘state sponsored violence or riot.’ The conclusion was arrived after meeting the affected parties of both the communities.

Annie also said that ahead of the May 3 violence the government of Manipur had demolished many houses and 3 churches alleging them as illegal occupations in the month of March.

She further said that in a democracy, the government should either pay compensations or make alternative arrangements if their houses have to be evicted.

The Chief Minister, being elected as the people's representative, has a responsibility to protect the people's life and livelihood but he failed to deliver his duty, Annie said and alleged that after the 3rd of May incident, he has not made any announcement for thorough enquiry or immediate intervention to control the situation.

The members of the fact-finding team from the NFIW comprised its members Deeksha Duivedi, Independent Advocate and Nisha Siddhu, National Secretary, NFIW.