The All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), along with several civil society groups, has strongly condemned the recent acts of violence in Torbung and Phougakchao Ikhai areas of Bishnupur district on December 16.
Speaking to the media at Kwakeithel on Tuesday, AMUCO president Sorokhaibam Sanjoy alleged that suspected armed Kuki groups carried out firing and bomb attacks using sophisticated weapons in the two villages at a time when the state was slowly moving towards peace and normalcy. He called the incidents “deeply disturbing” and “highly condemnable.”
Sanjoy claimed that such attacks could not have happened without either a failure or tacit involvement of the Government of India. He further accused the Centre’s “divide and rule” approach of worsening the crisis, pushing Manipur into prolonged instability and violence.
Expressing disappointment, the AMUCO chief said his organisation had lost confidence in the Government of India’s ability to restore lasting peace in the state. He appealed to the Centre to avoid actions that could further inflame tensions, especially as multiple groups are working to stabilise the situation.
Sanjoy also reaffirmed AMUCO’s commitment to the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs). He said that AMUCO, along with COHR, AMAWOVA, MSF, and PLMPAM, has been actively working to rehabilitate families displaced by the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, and will continue these efforts despite ongoing challenges.
He pointed out that the Bishnupur Additional Deputy Commissioner had started a resettlement process in Torbung and Phougakchao Ikhai on December 15. However, the following day, the villages reportedly came under heavy attack with powerful bombs, undermining the resettlement efforts and spreading fear among residents.
Sanjoy called for widespread condemnation of the attacks, urging all “right-thinking people” to denounce the violence. He also expressed concern over the government’s decision to withdraw village volunteers from foothill and peripheral areas, while armed Kuki groups allegedly continue to operate freely in hill regions.
AMUCO demanded that the authorities take immediate and effective measures to curb unlawful and violent activities by armed groups and ensure the law is enforced equally, to prevent further escalation of the conflict.