Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 07:
Questioning whether peace can be restored in Manipur by driving off some insurgents from some areas like Sajik Tampak, Khengjoi etc, the United Committee Manipur (UCM) has asked the Union Government to respect the sentiments of the people of Manipur who are reportedly in favour of a peaceful solution to the insurgency problem in the State.
A statement issued by the UCM also denounced the conspicuous silence of the Union Government towards the proposal of a 43 year old insurgent group to settle the India-Manipur conflict through a plebiscite under the supervision of the United Nations.
Referring to the armed conflict prevalent in Manipur, the UCM asserted that no means other than political solution will be viable to end the conflict.
At present, the ongoing Army/Assam Rifles operation in Khengjoi range has been causing untold miseries to the local villagers at the time when the villagers are ready to harvest crops for the season, alleged the UCM.
It is atrocious to force the villagers to flee their homesteads ahead of the Christmas festival, it added.
The people of Manipur want peace but armed operations will never be able restore peace in the State, UCM noted.
The question of plebiscite is no longer a new issue to the people of Manipur.
At different public meetings, people have resolved that only plebiscite can bring a lasting peace to the State, it alleged.
At the time when all the people across the world have stood up against war, the decision of the State Government to take up legal against civil organisations protesting the ongoing operation in Somtal area is tantamount to defying the voice of the entire human race, it remarked.
The insurgents too should protect lives and properties of the people and should never indulge in any activity which may result in human rights violation, it asserted.