UKHRUL: The Meitei Alliance has urged the Manipur government to extend security operations to all remaining Suspension of Operations (SoO) militant camps, following a joint operation by Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at the Sinai SoO camp.
In a statement, the alliance commended the state government and Director General of Police (DGP), Manipur, for the operation, which followed the killing of Meitei villagers who were collecting firewood for their livelihoods.
The alliance said the people of Manipur had endured nearly three and a half years of violence, killings and displacement, amid allegations that armed groups operating under the SoO agreement had acted with impunity. It added that the prolonged absence of decisive action had created a trust deficit between the public and the security establishment.
Describing the operation at Sinai camp as a step towards restoring the rule of law, the Meitei Alliance said sustained action against armed groups could help rebuild public confidence and provide a sense of security to internally displaced persons (IDPs) still living in relief camps.
The alliance called on the state government and the DGP to carry out similar operations at all remaining SoO camps without waiting for further attacks or loss of civilian lives. It maintained that disarming militants and bringing those responsible for violence to justice were essential to achieving lasting peace.
The statement also said fear of armed intimidation and reprisals continued to prevent ordinary citizens from speaking freely and participating in reconciliation efforts. According to the alliance, addressing this climate of fear would enable communities and their leaders to rebuild relationships and work towards restoring peace.
The Meitei Alliance expressed confidence that sustained action by the state government and security forces could help create conditions for justice, security and reconciliation in Manipur.