Chief Minister returns as Chairman of Unified Command; assures strict action against killers AMUCO, MSF, PLPAM, AMAWOVA, CoHR present stand of people to CM

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Apr 9 : Defying curfew, AMUCO, MSF, PLMPAM, AMAWOVA and CoHR volunteers attempted to storm the Chief Minister's Bungalow today in protest against the inhumane killing of two children in a bomb attack at Tronglaobi and three civilian deaths and scores of injuries due to indiscriminate firing by CRPF personnel.
Later, during a meeting with the representatives of the five organisations, it was informed that Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand was handed the reins of the Unified Command on April 8.
The Chief Minister also shared that the perpetrators of the Tronglaobi bomb attack have been identified, but withheld the information from the team of representatives "for the time being".
Today, the protesters started their march from AMUCO office at Kwakeithel around noon and made their way towards Keishampat when they were stopped at Hodam Leirak by a combined security team, consisting of Manipur Police, RAF and Assam Rifles troops, led by Imphal West SP Ksh Shivakanta.
The security personnel brandished large red banners which declared the gathering to be against the law and ordered them to disperse as soon as possible or face legal action.
Later, around 10 representatives from the five organisations were escorted by the police to meet Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to address their concerns.
The Chief Minister, in a post on social media, said the meeting thoroughly discussed the points raised by the representatives of different organisations.
Saying that the discussions were both constructive and substantive, he added that the Government acknowledged the concerns expressed by the representatives.
While the current Government has only recently taken office, the Tronglaobi incident is deeply unfortunate and has disrupted ongoing peace-building efforts, he said and added  that the situation is being treated with utmost seriousness.
He also said that the State Government is in constant coordination with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and all necessary measures are being taken to address the situation effectively.
Khemchand reiterated that the individuals responsible for the incident will be identified and dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
Saying that the Government remains fully committed to maintaining law and order, restoring normalcy, and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, the Chief Minister sought the continued cooperation and support of all civil society organisations and citizens in the initiative.
Speaking to the media in this connection, AMUCO president Sanjoy Sorokhaibam shared that the team of representatives submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and demanded updates from the Government through the media after every 2/3 hours on the prevailing situation in Manipur.
The team expressed discontent with the conduct of security operations and seizing of weapons in the valley areas while the Kuki militants are allegedly allowed to move freely in the foothill regions.
They said the Central and State force should recognize public sentiment and act accordingly, warning that an intense mass movement might emerge otherwise.
With a BJP-led Government at the Centre and the State, everyone should be treated equally and given equal protection.
The team further pressed for identification of illegal immigrants in Manipur and highlighted the need to put a stop to attempts to carry out a "genocide" of the indigenous population. Otherwise, the 5 groups will launch a series of agitations in cooperation with the public, they cautioned.
Additionally, the team of representatives also accused the India Government of supplying weapons including bombs to "Kuki terrorists", providing training  and using the Kuki militants under Suspension of Operations (SoO) to wage a war in the State. They demanded an immediate cessation of the violence perpetrated by Kuki militants.
While the perpetrators responsible for the Tronglaobi attack could have been nabbed within 24 hours, the CRPF jawans instead turned on the protesting civilians causing deaths and injuries, said the AMUCO president.
Stating that the 5 organisations take the matter very seriously, he also condemned the treatment of the Meiteis by the Central Government.
Such incidents would not have been tolerated in Delhi, Gujarat or Mumbai, he remarked.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister assured that the Government will bear the treatment costs of persons wounded in the CRPF firing.
With regards to the firing incident, the Government will take all expected necessary steps, he said.
Sharing that he now holds the rein of the Unified Command, he assured that the top-level security structure will act on its responsibilities and duties.
Responding to a question about Kuldiep Singh's role, the Chief Minister answered that he is responsible for communicating with security forces beyond Manipur.
Yumnam Khemchand avoided disclosing the identities of the culprits behind the Tronglaobi bomb attack, but vowed to give a "response of equal measure", according to the AMUCO president.