New Delhi: The Delhi Manipuri Society (DeMAS), Meitei Heritage Society, and Ningols United Progressive Initiative (NUPI) expressed their sincere gratitude to Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, along with the Central and State security forces, the Government of Manipur, and all involved individuals for their roles in the safe and successful release of two Meitei youths.
On Wednesday, a delegation from these three organizations, including academicians and intellectuals, met with the DG Assam Rifles in Delhi. They emphasized the urgent need for the immediate and unconditional release of the two youths, rejecting the unlawful demands of Kuki militants.
The organizations thanked Lt. Gen. Lakhera for patiently hearing their concerns. Also, they appreciated the Manipur Government for refusing the Kuki militants’ key demand—the release of Mark Haokip, a Kuki leader arrested for waging war against the Indian state.
While the release of 11 undertrial Kuki inmates as part of the exchange deal raised concerns, the organizations acknowledged that these inmates had already been granted bail but were held due to safety reasons.
Throughout the ongoing conflict, civilians from both sides who unintentionally entered opposing territories have been released on humanitarian grounds. However, this exchange marks a troubling shift, with militants using civilians as hostages to meet illegal demands. The organizations condemned this act as terrorism, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent and may encourage other groups to employ similar tactics.
The three Delhi-based civil society organizations emphasized that this is no longer merely an ethnic clash between Meiteis and Kukis but a section of the Kuki community waging war on Manipur, which they equated to waging war against India.
To prevent the recurrence of such incidents, they called on the Central and State security forces to launch a comprehensive operation to arrest the militants responsible for the abductions and ensure they face strict punishment.
