CBI Probe Demanded in CCpur Gangrape Allegation;
Meira Paibis in large numbers in on August 11 staged a massive protest across five districts of Imphal Valley against the alleged gangrape of a 37-year-old woman in Churachandpur on May 3, when the ongoing ethnic violence started.
The massive protest demanded authorities to handover the case to CBI for investigation and mete out befitting legal punishments to the culprits involved in the heinous crime.
The survivor alleged she was gang-raped by a group of suspected Kuki miscreants while fleeing her burning house in Khumujamba Leikai in Churachandpur.
An FIR was lodged with Bishnupur Women police station on August 9 and the matter was later forwarded to Churachandpur police station for investigation. A case had been registered under u/s 376-D/354/120-B/34 IPC, sources said.
The FIR was registered after the Meitei woman victim filed a report complaining that she was gang-raped by unknown Kuki miscreants amid the May 3 chaos when she and others were reportedly trying to flee from their homes at Churachandpur. Following the FIR, a medical examination of the victim was also conducted.
According to the FIR, the incident occurred at Khumujama Leikai Churachandpur on May 3 at around 6.30 pm reportedly.
Manipur Nagas Rally For Honorable Solution
Large numbers of Nagas in Manipur held rallies simultaneously in the district headquarters of Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul and Senapati on August 9 organised by the United Naga Council (UNC), “reiterating” for an acceptable and honorable solution to the “Indo-Naga Political issue in the true spirit of the historic Indo-Naga Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015”.
The rallies were held between 10 am and 12.30 pm. Shops and other establishments closed their respective operations during the rallies. The rallies were peaceful.
In each of the four district headquarters, thousands of people came out to participate in the rallies. Similar placards were displayed in all the four places where rallies were held. Some of the placards read “Naga flag, constitution and integration are inalienable rights of the Naga people”, “Respect Naga historical and political rights”, “Indian leaders must walk the talk”, “Implement Framework Agreement”, “Government of India must stop playing divisive politics”, “No solution, no rest”, “No to imposed solution” etc., reports said.
After the rallies, a joint memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi was submitted to the respective deputy commissioners. The memorandum was jointly signed by UNC president Ng. Lorho, UNC general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang, Naga Women Union (NWU) president Asha Wungnam, NWU general secretary Changwiliu Newmai, All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) president Luikang Luckson, ANSAM general secretary Angteshang Maring and Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights-South sector (NPMHR-S) Convenor Joyson Mazamo.
The joint memorandum said, “In the propitious rallies held today in the Naga district headquarters of Chandel, Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Senapati, under the aegis of the United Naga Council, the Naga people in the present state of Manipur wish to register once again our collective sentiment and earnest desire to the Government of India for exercising its political will to conclude the protracted negotiation on Indo-Naga political issue in the true spirit of August 3, 2015, Framework Agreement between Government of India (GoI) and National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN)”. It also said, “The United Naga Council, the apex organization of the Naga people in Manipur, encompassing 20 Naga tribes reiterates our uncompromising political aspirations and strong desire for translation of the Framework Agreement into political reality for enduring peace”.
COCOMI Submits Five-Point Resolution to Prime Minister
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on August 7 submitted the five-point resolutions adopted in the mass rally against narco-terrorism organised by COCOMI on July 29 in Imphal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In the letter signed by all COCOMI executives, the Committee highlighted that the five resolutions were adopted in the mass rally participated by several lakhs of people from different communities of Manipur.
The letter pointed out that three out of the five resolutions directly pertained to the Union Government of India while the fourth to the State Government of Manipur.
The resolutions adopted are – 1) to end the present conflict, foreign (illegal immigrants) Chin-Kuki Narco-Terrorism must be totally exterminated; 2) No separate administrative arrangement in Manipur; 3) National Register of Citizens (NRC) must be fully implemented in Manipur, which directly pertains to the union government; 4) a special session of the Assembly should be summoned by 5th August, 2023 to adopt some action-oriented resolutions to save Manipur. If the session is not summoned by the given dateline, strong agitations will be followed according to people’s resolution directly pertained to the state government.
It may be mentioned that COCOMI, reacting to the government decision to convene the assembly sitting on August 21, had declared a social boycott of the state government and urged people not to cooperate with any government measures.
The last resolution states that a memorandum should be submitted to the prime minister of India to apprise of the first three resolutions.
The letter to the prime minister appealed the central government to intervene to:-
1) Ensure that the foreign elements including some of the leaders of the Kuki-Zomi Suspension of Operation groups who are of foreign origin identified and confined or deported to Myanmar. Those foreign elements directly involved in the conflict are either eliminated or pushed out of the territory of India.
2) The territorial integrity and the system of administration in Manipur should not be altered as it has a glorious history and the Meitei have been known for its sense of equity. During its heyday, it has not absorbed any of the tribal community and many small tribal communities exist now because of this policy. Any change in the territorial integrity and administration may bring a death knell to many small tribal communities; which will be a great loss as even now they are highly marginalised.
3) To identify illegal immigrants, the National Register of Citizens must be implemented in the state with 1951 as the base year. This is to deprive illegal immigrants from being citizens though they may continue to stay as guest, if necessary, without indulging in destructive politics by creating concocted history and bombarding the media and seeking support from the left liberals to achieve what is known as a Kuki-Zomi nation (Zalengam) comprising areas from three countries.
SC Directs Panel, Former DGP to Report Within Two Months
The Supreme Court has given two months’ time to former Deputy National Security Adviser Dattatray Padsalgikar and a committee of three retired women high court judges to return with their reports on investigation and the efficacy of rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures in violence-hit Manipur.
The order sheet of August 7 proceedings released late on Thursday (August 10) stated that the top court bench led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud will take up the reports on October 13 for further directions. The directions were intended to “restore a sense of faith in the rule of law and build a sense of confidence”, it said.
While allowing the transfer of 11 cases of sexual violence to the CBI, the apex court said it would depute five DSP/SP-rank officers from other states to ensure there is a sense of ‘faith’ and ‘objectivity’. These officers will function within the administrative setup of the CBI, it added.
Regarding cases not transferred to the CBI, the top court said 42 special investigation teams (SITs) would look into these. The SITs would be supervised by six DIG-rank officers from other states to ensure the investigations were carried out properly.
Expressing anguish with regards to the manner in which women were subjected to grave acts of sexual violence in the course of sectarian strife, the bench in the 36-page order has tasked the three-member committee comprising former women HC judges Gita Mittal, Shalini P Joshi and Asha Menon to enquire into the nature of violence against women that occurred in the state from all available sources.
Additionally, the committee has been tasked to submit a report on the steps which are required to meet the needs of the survivors including measures for dealing with rape trauma, and providing social, economic and psychological support.
The Supreme Court has asked the former DGP and Committee of Three-Retired Women Judges to submit a report in two months. With a view to ensuring fair probe by the 42 state SITs, the court also asked the MHA to make available one police officer from Rajasthan, MP, Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and GNCTD and also depute 14 SP officers to be in charge of the SITs.
The retired IPS officer will also monitor and supervise the 42 special investigation teams (SITs) constituted by the Manipur government for probing more than 6,500 other First Information Reports (FIRs) registered in connection with the violence in the north-eastern state, the court order added.
Ministers, MLAs Subit Memorandum to PM Demanding Witdrawal of SoO and AR
A team of Manipur Ministers and MLAs, including Naga legislatures submitted a representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 9, demanding withdrawal of SoO agreement, Replacement of Assam Rifles and complete disarmament to foster a peaceful dialogue in connection with the Manipur crisis.
The representation signed by several ministers and MLAs totalling 40 in numbers stated that simple deployment of forces is inadequate for the immediate establishment of security. Although it is imperative to halt the violence in the peripheral areas, a complete disarmament is the key to achieve this goal, it mentioned.
It stated that the Assam Rifles (9, 22 and 37) need to be transferred from their present location of deployment while trustworthy Central forces along with state security can replace them to sanitize and neutralize to neutralize and sanitize the whole area of any and all threats to peace, security and stability.
The withdrawal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement with all those who have violated the ground rules at the earliest is recommended to remove any disadvantages for the Central Forces with regard to the rules of engagement with these threats, it stated.
“There has been large scale foreign infiltration with arms and ammunition into the state. So, the Central forces should proactively engage with them. There has been a non-stop conflict between the State/Central forces and these insurgent armed groups in the state for the last 3 months,” it mentioned.
The source and funding of these sophisticated arms and ammunition needs to be investigated, keeping in view of how the conflict has lasted for the past three months, and the arms continue to arrive into the state, it added.
Further, the representation stated that to reassure the indigenous people of Manipur, the National Registrar of Citizens (NRC) can be implemented in Manipur, sooner rather than later. It categorically stated that a ‘separate administration’ as demanded by the ITLF/Kukis is absolutely unacceptable under any circumstances.
The representation also suggested for consideration to strengthen the Autonomous District Council (ADC), and conduct of regular elections (which have not been taking place) to the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) and the six existing Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
The necessary peace talks can be initiated and deliver a lasting solution to the ongoing crisis with the fulfilment of these measures, representation added.
Kuki MLAs Urge PM Not to Remove AR
The Kuki MLAs, who have been demanding a ‘separate administration’, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to remove Assam Rifles against the demand raised by 40 state MLAs for removal of some Assam Rifles battalions in Manipur.
The Kuki MLAs prayed for not to remove Assam Rifles, citing that it would harm and jeopardise their safety and security. The request came after the 9th Battalion Assam Rifles were replaced by CRPF along Bishnupur to Kangvai Road on August 7.
The 10 Kuki MLAs stated in a letter written to the Prime Minister on August 10 that “since the outbreak of ethnic strife in Manipur in May 2023, the unabated violence has led to deep mistrust between the Kuki-Zo-Hmar Tribals and Meitei communities.”
“The tribals have unwavering faith on the central forces, particularly the Assam Rifles as they stood the test of time and did their work without prejudice, bias, fear or compulsion. The Assam Rifles has majority of their troops from the North Eastern States of India and they have been guarding Manipur for long, hence, they are aware of the local dynamics…” they said in the letter.
What sets them apart from other forces is their single-minded resolved to safeguard humanity, compassionate yet firm-handling of highly tense situations and unbiased conduct, the letter added.
Manipur Police Lodge FIR Against AR Battalion
Phougakchao Ikhai Police Station had lodged an FIR against the personnel of the 9th Battalion Assam Rifles for allegedly blocking state police personnel while discharging their duty in Bishnupur district.
The police alleged that this act of the Assam Rifles gave a chance to Kuki militants to escape. The incident occurred on August 5 last at around 6.40 am near Kutub Wali Masjid at Kwakta Ward Number-8, along Pholjang road about 2.8 km northwest. There has been apprehension of Assam Rifles allegedly supporting Kuki militants.
Dolaithabi Villagers Want to Return Home
The villagers of Dolaithabi have urged the State Government and Central Government to allow them to enter their villages instead of declaring it as a buffer zone and to construct permanent houses at their village that was burned down by the Kuki militants during the clash.
Following the violent conflict that erupted on May 3, around 35 houses in Dolaithabi village were reportedly burned down with about 139 villagers staying at various relief camps since then.
One of the villagers, Puthem Muhindro, told the media on August 11 at the Manipur Press Club in Majorkhul, Imphal, that in May when the clash erupted, the villagers fled to nearby villages to save their lives.
He said most of the villagers are staying at different relief camps opened at Khundrakpam Assembly Constituency and that he is staying at a relief camp opened at NB College, Khundrakpam in Imphal East district.
Their houses, granaries and wood piles (domestic use) were burned down on different days in May. During the early days of the clash, combined forces were deployed, including state forces; however, after a few days, 18 Assam Rifles declared a buffer zone starting from the Dolaithabi Dam and no villagers were allowed to enter thier village since it was declared as buffer zone, he added.
Dolaithabi village is around 2 km from the Kuki villages. There are Meitei and Nepali villages. He urged the State and Central Governments to allow the villagers of Dolaithabi to enter their villages and to construct permanent houses at their villages instead of prefabricated houses which are constructed for displaced people.
COTU Declares Total Shutdown
Slamming the Meira Paibis for inciting the idea of marching till Kangpokpi and Churachandpur on August 13, the Committee on Tribal Unity Sadar Hills in a press statement, advised Meira Paibis to drop their plan as it could escalate the situation.
CoTU General Secretary Lamminlun Singsit said that there is a strong and legitimate apprehension of the motive of the said rally. Any attempt to breach into the tribal territory in the name of a peace rally or whatsoever will be considered an attack on life and property of the Kuki-Zo people, he added.
COTU urged the Meitei community to restrain from organising such a rally in the hill areas considering the prevailing situation. The CoTU’s General Secretary also appealed to other communities to maintain their neutral stand and to refrain from participating or engaging in such events.
The COTU General Secretary said that a total shutdown will be imposed from midnight of August 12 till midnight of August 13 in the entire Kangpokpi District.
Centre Lacks Concrete Peace Plan: MPCC
The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to present a comprehensive strategy to restore peace in the region, in his parliamentary session speech lasting over two hours in which he briefly addressed the situation in Manipur.
The MPCC alleged that PM Modi’s speech indirectly points towards the double engine government as the source of the ongoing violence in Manipur. Speaking at the Congress Bhawan in Imphal on August 11, MPCC president Keisham Meghachandra denounced Modi’s speech as “diversionary and politicised.”
The MPCC President asserted that PM Modi’s focus on unrelated issues such as past incidents like the bomb blast at the ISKCON Temple and INA complex, the burning of the state library, and the alleged failure to sing the national anthem in Manipur schools, only serves to deflect attention from the urgent matters at hand.
Meghachandra went on to express that had the No-Confidence Motion not been brought forward by the opposition, PM Modi might not have mentioned Manipur at all.
He suggested that this parliamentary move has unveiled a hidden agenda of the BJP government, which the MPCC claims was attempting to confuse reality for potential electoral and economic gains.
The MPCC Ppresident further questioned the central government’s decision to deny any MP from Manipur an opportunity to address the ongoing unrest in the state.
Also criticising the silence of the four MPs from Manipur, Meghachandra placed this with the proactive stance taken by Assam MP Gaurav Gogoi, who raised concerns about Manipur in Parliament. Meghachandra also challenged the intentions of Manipur MPs, including Union MoS RK Rajan, asking whether they are being stifled by the central government, or if they are simply choosing to remain silent due to fear or other reasons.
