Imphal: The Delhi Meetei Co-ordinating Committee (DMCC) has accused security forces of failing to intervene during an attack in Nongshum, Imphal East, in which three Meetei civilians were killed on October 19. The committee has demanded an investigation, accountability and the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework.
In a statement issued on October 20, the DMCC said villagers had gone to collect firewood around 7 am after informing security forces. It said firing began at about 9 am and continued for around 40 minutes. The committee alleged that the nearby Assam Rifles post did not respond and that security personnel took about two hours to reach the site, which it said was normally a 20-minute journey.
“The State was present. The State was informed. The State chose to do nothing,” the statement said, accusing authorities of failing to protect the villagers.
The DMCC also criticised the withdrawal of a UNLF (Pambei) camp from Nongshum in June, saying villagers had repeatedly asked for it to remain. It alleged that camps of Kuki militant groups continued to operate in the area.
The committee called on the Union government to abrogate the SoO framework and dismantle what it described as parallel armed structures. It also demanded that those responsible for the killings be brought to justice.
Calling for the resignation of Manipur’s chief minister and home minister if they could not contain the violence, the DMCC said: “Condolence is not governance,” the statement added.
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