Arambai Tenggol has urged authorities to uphold trust, fairness and dialogue, warning that recent arrests could undermine the ongoing peace process in Manipur.
Imphal, June 22: Arambai Tenggol (AT) on Monday appealed to the Government of India and all stakeholders to uphold trust, justice and dialogue in Manipur, expressing concern that recent arrests of members of the Meitei community could weaken public confidence in the ongoing peace process.
In a press note titled "Appeal for Upholding Trust, Peace, and Justice in Manipur," the organisation said the youths of Manipur were compelled to take extraordinary measures during the ethnic conflict after law and order deteriorated and communities faced security threats.
According to the statement, many young people stepped forward to protect their families and localities during the crisis, often at the cost of their education, careers and personal safety.
The organisation stated that when the Government of India appealed for the surrender of arms as part of efforts to restore peace and normalcy, members of the Meitei community, village volunteers and Arambai Tenggol responded positively by participating in the surrender process.
It claimed that the handover of weapons was carried out in good faith and reflected public trust in assurances given by the government regarding peace and security.
Arambai Tenggol further alleged that promises relating to the protection of communities after the surrender of arms had not been fully realised. Despite this, it said, people continued to support the peace process.
The organisation expressed concern over the recent apprehension of individuals whom it described as having played a leading role in encouraging the surrender of weapons.
According to the statement, such actions have generated apprehension among sections of the public and could discourage future cooperation with peace initiatives.
AT also raised concerns about what it described as a perception of unequal enforcement of the law. The organisation claimed that a significantly higher number of individuals from the Meitei community had faced arrest or legal action compared to members of the Kuki-Zo community.
The statement further alleged that some armed groups operating in other areas had not faced similar scrutiny, contributing to a growing sense of mistrust among sections of the population.
The organisation argued that peace and reconciliation can only be sustained when confidence between the government and the public is maintained. It maintained that commitments made during the peace process should be honoured and implemented consistently.
Arambai Tenggol said that many youths who were previously involved in defending their communities had since returned to normal life and were attempting to rebuild their futures as responsible citizens.
The statement cautioned that actions perceived as inconsistent with earlier assurances could prove counterproductive and potentially affect ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability.
Calling for a balanced and inclusive approach, the organisation urged all stakeholders to recommit themselves to dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes.
“At this crucial juncture, we call upon all parties to reaffirm their commitment to dialogue and peace, ensuring that the hopes of the younger generation are not overshadowed by renewed distrust or conflict,” the statement said.
Reiterating its position, Arambai Tenggol stated that a peaceful, united and prosperous Manipur should remain the shared objective of all communities and institutions involved in the peace-building process.
