Dimapur, August 6 : In view of the rampant human rights violation by both the State and non-state actors in Manipur, the Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL) or Tangkhul Youth Council has reprimanded the government for what it termed as the ‘killing field’ of Manipur and called for a general strike in Ukhrul district starting from midnight of August 6 till midnight of August 7, 2009. “It is very unfortunate that the State government has let loose a reign of terror by challenging the very security they are supposed to provide to the innocent civilians”, stated a press note from the TMNL signed by Zanyo Varam, President and Ngachonmi Ramshang, Joint Secretary. The TMNL went on to state that the apprehension and fear of the hill people on the high handedness, loose morality and integrity of the IRBs and police commandos had been exposed once again. It stated that the fear of state sponsored terrorism has bee justified by the recent killing of Smt Rabina and her son by the State forces.
The press note also stated that the State government is all out to make Manipur another Vietnam and in this regard the TMNL strongly condemned the unwarranted harassment, threat and torture meted out to the villagers of Itham, Keihao, Kamjong area, Litan area etc by some Kuki undergrounds. “Whether it is over-ground or under-ground we oppose any form of threat, intimidation, torture etc. to the innocent civilians”, stated the TMNL while appealing to the concerned authorities both State and non-state actors to desist from such atrocities so as to allow peace, progress and harmony to prevail.
The TMNL also affirmed its strong objection to the deployment of IRB and police commandos in “the otherwise relatively peaceful hill districts of Manipur” and that it would observe a 24 hour strike as a mark of solidarity to the family of the deceased Th Rabina and son. In this regard the TMNL has asked all citizens in the district including schools, colleges, government offices etc. to close down their respective offices and cooperate.
The TMNL has also taken strong objection to the remarks and declarations of the state government to built the administrative block of the upcoming IGNTU at Adimjati complex, though the university is to be constructed at Keihao village. The press note stated that it would be wise on the part of the government to build all the related structures at the site of the university “which otherwise will invite more troubles”.