Meitei CSOs Continue Protest Decrying Arrest of UNLF-P Cadres, Proving Their Nexus with Meitei Militants

A few of the Meitei civil society organisations (CSO) have continued their protest against the arrest of UNLF-P cadres, proving their nexus with the Meitei militants. The militants’ sympathisers also warned of launching different modes of protest to demand release of the arrested extremists.

Though a few of the Meitei CSOs have decried the arrest of the UNLF cadres, there are some well-known civil bodies who have not utter a word regarding the arrest of the UNLF cadres. This is a clear indication that the Meitei CSOs are divided, depending upon the backing and affiliation of the different groups of the Meitei militants. It is a proof that the Meitei CSOs are set up as pressure groups for the Meiteis’ extremist groups.

On Sunday evening a torch or Meira rally was held against the arrest of UNLF (P) cadres at Kwakeithel-Keishampat Imphal West. The Federation of Civil Society Organisations had also launched 24-hour general strike a few days ago even though the HSLC exam began on the same day. The strike resulted in closure of commercial establishments and hindrance to the commuters.

The question here is whether the Meitei CSOs are an independent body or they are a civil wing or body of the Meitei militants.

The newly formed organisations like the FOCs have been playing a vital role and have been in the forefront as soon as the UNLF cadres were arrested. However, the re-knowned apex Meitei CSOs such as the United Committee Manipur, All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation, who had been leading different public movements in the State are still silent over the arrest of the UNLF cadres.

Besides, the valley-based student bodies such as AMSU, DESAM, SUK, SSUM, KSA, AIMS who

spearhead any movement for the interest of the Meiteis are also silent mode over the issue till date. However, AMSU came to light since the Union was affected by the UNLF and its factional group. It was reported that the UNLF Pambei group even set up camps inside the AMSU office in Imphal, thereby resulting in conflict among AMSU executives and members.