AT cautions against derailing peace process
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 21: Taking serious note of the recent arrest of individuals from the Meitei community, the Arambai Tenggol (AT) has warned that such arrests can severely derail the fragile peace process.
The AT has alleged "selective enforcement" of law and a breach of trust by the Government.
A statement issued by the AT Ghqs asserted that the youth of Manipur were forced to take up arms to defend their families and villages when the State’s law and order collapsed.
Nonetheless, following an appeal from the Government of India, members of the Meitei community, village volunteers, Arambai Tenggol handed over their weapons in "good faith" to restore normalcy under the assurance of safety and fairness.
But the recent arrest of Meitei individuals who led the disarmament initiative has deeply shaken public trust.
"It sends a dangerous message that those who responded positively to the Government's appeal are now being criminalised. Such punitive actions risk derailing the fragile peace process”, the AT warned.
Citing a stark disparity in legal actions taken against different communities, the AT has accused the Government and its security agencies of bias and selective enforcement of law.
While over 1,000 individuals from the Meitei community have reportedly been arrested or prosecuted under various laws, only around 100 individuals from the Kuki and Zo communities have faced similar legal actions, it said.
On the other hand, armed Kuki-Zo groups, such as the "Village Volunteer Eastern Zone," continue to roam freely with weapons without facing comparable scrutiny, it said.
This perceived imbalance will deepen mistrust and widen the communal divide, the AT asserted.
It asserted that the youth of Manipur cannot accept a peace process that "appears to reward trust with prosecution."
Peace cannot survive when trust is betrayed nor can reconciliation be achieved through selective implementation of the law, the AT said.
It also called upon all parties to reaffirm their commitment to dialogue and peace.
The AT has further urged the Government to fulfil its initial assurances so that the aspirations of the younger generation are not overshadowed by renewed conflict.
IMPHAL, Jun 21: Taking serious note of the recent arrest of individuals from the Meitei community, the Arambai Tenggol (AT) has warned that such arrests can severely derail the fragile peace process.
The AT has alleged "selective enforcement" of law and a breach of trust by the Government.
A statement issued by the AT Ghqs asserted that the youth of Manipur were forced to take up arms to defend their families and villages when the State’s law and order collapsed.
Nonetheless, following an appeal from the Government of India, members of the Meitei community, village volunteers, Arambai Tenggol handed over their weapons in "good faith" to restore normalcy under the assurance of safety and fairness.
But the recent arrest of Meitei individuals who led the disarmament initiative has deeply shaken public trust.
"It sends a dangerous message that those who responded positively to the Government's appeal are now being criminalised. Such punitive actions risk derailing the fragile peace process”, the AT warned.
Citing a stark disparity in legal actions taken against different communities, the AT has accused the Government and its security agencies of bias and selective enforcement of law.
While over 1,000 individuals from the Meitei community have reportedly been arrested or prosecuted under various laws, only around 100 individuals from the Kuki and Zo communities have faced similar legal actions, it said.
On the other hand, armed Kuki-Zo groups, such as the "Village Volunteer Eastern Zone," continue to roam freely with weapons without facing comparable scrutiny, it said.
This perceived imbalance will deepen mistrust and widen the communal divide, the AT asserted.
It asserted that the youth of Manipur cannot accept a peace process that "appears to reward trust with prosecution."
Peace cannot survive when trust is betrayed nor can reconciliation be achieved through selective implementation of the law, the AT said.
It also called upon all parties to reaffirm their commitment to dialogue and peace.
The AT has further urged the Government to fulfil its initial assurances so that the aspirations of the younger generation are not overshadowed by renewed conflict.