Meira Paibi groups protest crackdown on former AT members

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 20 : Several Meira Paibi groups have urged the Government to stop the crackdown on former Arambai Tenggol (AT) members by levelling various charges against them.
They argued that security forces had failed to protect the lives and property of the people of Manipur during the peak of the ongoing crisis, alleging that the public was left to fend for themselves when armed Kuki narco-terrorists launched a violent campaign against Meiteis, starting May 3, 2023.
It is reported that three former AT members viz Mutum Naoba (31), s/o Ibohal of Oinam Mamang Leikai; Haorokcham Manaocha (29), s/o Dhananjoy of Kangchup Sanjenbam Mayai Leikai and Kangabam Somanand (42), s/o Dhiren of Tangkham Leikai have been arrested by security forces.
In this regard, a sit-in protest was organised today by 10 Meira Paibi groups based in Keishampat and adjoining areas at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines, protester Huidrom Bishoya stated that security forces should not arrest any former member of AT, while demanding the unconditional release of the three former AT members.
She alleged that the failure of the authorities to enforce law and order led AT to defend the public from the aggressors using whatever means were available to them.
Security forces did not take any action when Kuki narco-terrorists torched several houses, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee for their lives, she asserted.
Claiming that AT members took up arms only to defend the public from Kuki narco-terrorists armed with sophisticated weapons, she reiterated that security forces should refrain from arresting former AT members.
Everyone is aware of how the crisis in Manipur unfolded following the armed aggression by Kuki narco-terrorists, she said.
She also said that many more Meitei civilians would have been killed had several Meitei youths not voluntarily come forward to face the onslaught of Kuki narco-terrorists.
Stating that AT had surrendered all arms in their possession to the Government during the President’s Rule regime on February 20 last year, Bishoya alleged that the surrender was carried out on the assurance that no AT members would be arrested for past incidents.
She further said that the former AT members had returned to normal life following the arms surrender.
Demanding unconditional release of the three former AT members, she cautioned that Meira Paibi groups would launch a strong protest if the crackdown on AT is not stopped.
A similar protest was also staged at Sekmaijin, during which the protesters said the crisis in Manipur could have been avoided had the Government and security agencies done their duty to protect civilians.
Regarding the arrest of former AT members, she said that the Government’s action is like rubbing salt into the wound rather than a measure to bring peace.
Meanwhile at the Manipur Press Club, K Kegesana, a woman activist from Phougakchao Ikhai, said that women in the State would launch a massive movement if the Government continues to arrest former AT members.
Addressing a press conference organised by different Meira Paibi groups, she said that it was AT that protected the people when security forces allegedly failed to do their duty.
She further stated that AT members had surrendered all their arms to the Government after the Governor assured them that no cases would be filed against them, as they had taken up arms in self-defence.
Meira Paibi members from the Thoubal side, meanwhile, demanded the unconditional release of the arrested former AT members on or before June 22.
They , during a joint meeting held at Thoubal Mela Ground, adopted a resolution to launch an agitation if their demand is not entertained.
All Yairipok Apunba Ima Lup secretary Matouleibi Leima contended that the crackdown by security forces on former AT members and village volunteers who have returned to normal life is an affront to the people of Manipur.
Tangkham Awang Leikai Youth Club and Meira Paibi Lup also urged the Government to release the arrested AT (former) members.
They said that the action of the security forces is unacceptable, claiming that it was the Government’s failure that led to the aggravation of the crisis.