IMPHAL: The Meitei Alliance has commended the Manipur government and Director General of Police (DGP) for the joint operation conducted by Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at the Sinai Suspension of Operations (SoO) militant camp, following the killing of Meitei villagers who were collecting firewood for their livelihood.

In a statement, the Meitei Alliance described the operation as an important step towards restoring peace and strengthening the rule of law in Manipur.

The organisation said the people of Manipur had endured nearly three and a half years of violence, killings and displacement. It also raised concerns over allegations that armed groups operating under the SoO agreement had acted with impunity, claiming that the lack of decisive action had created a serious trust deficit between the public and the security establishment.

Welcoming the operation at Sinai camp, the alliance said such action could strengthen public confidence in the administration and offer hope to thousands of internally displaced people who continue to live in relief camps under difficult conditions.

The Meitei Alliance urged the state government and the DGP to extend similar operations to all remaining SoO militant camps without waiting for further attacks or the loss of more innocent lives. It stressed that disarming militants and bringing those responsible for violence to justice were essential for achieving lasting peace.

The organisation further observed that fear of armed intimidation and reprisals continued to prevent many ordinary citizens from speaking freely and participating in reconciliation efforts.

It said that removing this atmosphere of fear would allow communities and their leaders to reach out to one another, rebuild relationships and work towards peace through collective efforts.

The Meitei Alliance expressed confidence that sustained and decisive action by the state government and security forces could help transform the prevailing situation into one marked by justice, security and reconciliation, laying the foundation for lasting peace in Manipur.