President's Rule in Manipur: Meitei body terms it 'undemocratic'; 'a necessary intervention,' say Kukis

A day after the imposition of the President's Rule in Manipur, the Meitei's Coordinating Committee of Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), has strongly condemned the move calling it "undemocratic" and "unreasonable". While the Kuki body has termed it as a "necessary intervention". 

The "sudden" imposition of the President's Rule in the state was questioned by COCOMI. "This decision conveniently aligns with the longstanding demands of Kuki militants and separatist groups who have been advocating for the imposition of AFSPA and President's Rule in Manipur." 

COCOMI, a joint body of Meitei civil society organisation in Manipur, accused BJP leadership of jeopardising the rights and security of its own people. 

Rather than addressing the real issues at hand, the central leadership has shifted the blame onto the alleged incompetency of its own BJP MLAs, said Laikhuram Jayenta, convenor, COCOMI, in the statement.

It's a sinister agenda to place Manipur, "particularly the Metei community" under direct military control, it said. 

The Meitei community said that the "forced" resignation of CM N. Biren Singh, just before the crucial state assembly session, is a "betrayal" of democratic principles. "Was this decision made for the welfare of the people, or was it a calculated move to deepen the crisis?" asked the Meiteis. 

The failure of the Manipur BJP legislators to propose an alternative leader was also criticised by the group. "Their inaction has created an opportunity for the central leadership to interfere and impose President's Rule...they have surrendered their responsibilities...and has effectively auctioned the people of Manipur to external forces." 

The Meitei groups demanded an immediate process to elect a new leader and restore a popular government in the state. 

COCOMI urged the people of Manipur to remain vigilant and united against any attempt to subjugate them under military rule. "This crisis is not just about leadership, it is about the future of Manipur and the survival of its democratic rights." 

Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki Tribes welcomed the President's Rule. However, Kukis has firmly noted, "neither the resignation of Biren Singh nor the invocation of the President's Rule alters our resolute demand for a separate administration under Article 239(A) of the Constitution." 

The Kuki body in a statement said that it is clear that co-existence with the Meitei-dominated administration is no longer a viable option. 

"True justice can only be achieved through the full recognition of the Kuki-Zo people's rights and privileges as citizens of India," read the statement. 

The Kukis have also demanded accountability regarding more than 5,000 government firearms and over 6 laksh rounds of ammunition that have reportedly been handed over to the Arambai Tenggol. 

After the resignation of CM Biren Singh, President's Rule was declared in the strife-torn state on Thursday. Singh's resignation came ahead of the no-confidence threat by the opposition Congress.