THRA Demands Strict Law and Order and Action Against Militants in Manipur

Manipur: The Thadou Human Rights Advocacy (THRA) has appealed to the government to strictly enforce the law in Manipur, to put an end to what it termed “proxy dealings,” and to take stringent action against militant groups in order to restore lasting peace in the state.

In a statement, the organization alleged that the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) and the Kuki Inpi Manipur were involved in activities that have contributed to escalating unrest and instability in Manipur. The group further claimed that these entities were operating without any proper mandate and were adversely affecting certain sections of the population—including the Thadou community—amidst the ongoing ethnic tensions in the state.

The advocacy group also expressed concern regarding the ‘Suspension of Operations’ (SoO) agreements signed by the Central Government with certain Kuki militant groups, alleging that such arrangements have failed to facilitate peace; instead, it argued that these agreements require reconsideration in the broader interest of stability.

Referring to the violence that has persisted in Manipur since 2023, the organization noted that several communities—including the Thadou, Hmar, Zomi, and Mizo groups—have been affected and displaced. It appealed to both the State and Central governments to recognize and support these communities—which it described as “peace-loving and non-violent communities”—in their efforts to restore trust and normalcy.

The group further demanded that the Manipur government, led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, make public the minutes of the meeting allegedly held in Guwahati on March 21 with representatives of the Kuki-Zo Council. It called for greater transparency and appealed to the government to reconsider its engagement with what it characterized as an “unrepresentative body.” Furthermore, the organization appealed for the strengthening of the police apparatus in the hill districts and the restoration of law and order on par with the Imphal Valley, and demanded strict action against all armed groups, regardless of whether or not they are signatories to SoO agreements.

The Thadou Human Rights Advocacy emphasized that lasting peace in Manipur can be achieved only through the strict enforcement of the law, by ensuring the equal protection of constitutional rights for all communities, and by putting an end to what it termed the “appeasement” of armed or non-mandated groups.