Replacement of commandos with central forces by Zomi Council

Imphal: The Zomi Council Steering Committee (ZCSC) today submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister on the militancy of the Moreh Border Trade Center and an urgent political solution for the Zomi-Kuki-Mizo people in the face of continued acts of discrimination and genocide of Manipur Govt.
The memorandum highlights the disparity in the treatment of its citizens by the Manipur government based on their caste, citing the government’s immediate reaction to the recent killing of a Meitei police officer.
On 31 October 2023, Chingtham Anandkumar announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 50 lakh while condoling with the Chief Minister himself.
While promising a proper government job for the bereaved Meitei’s family and calling an emergency cabinet meeting to ‘deal’ with the matter.
He chose to remain silent on the case of Zo police officer, Onkhomang Haokip, who was one of Meitei’s. The militant shot dead while in uniform. Sniper on September 13, 2023.
The letter further explained the communal mindset of the state forces, especially the Manipur State Commandos, whose presence in Zomi and Kuki areas invariably invites unwanted violence.
It also pointed out how the forced deployment of the same state forces (Manipur Commandos) who had earlier been rejected by the local people by turning away from the plane, led to further tension, insecurity and violence.
The ZCSC, recognizing the importance of the Moreh Border Trade Center for trade and national security reasons, and its management being a national subject, said it was most appropriate to deploy central forces such as the Army and paramilitary forces there.
This is justified not only by the current environment but also by national security threats from the separatist Meitei Valley-based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs).
In the interest of peace and national security, the memorandum calls for the replacement of all communally tainted state forces.
In particular, the deployment of Moreh State Commandos and qualified and experienced administrators and Superintendents of Police (SPs) along with the central forces in districts like Tengnoupal, Kanggui, Chandel, Pherzawl and Lamka were made in the valley districts. For smooth administration and effective handling of complex problems of law and order.
The memorandum concluded with expediting the ongoing political dialogue under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the Zomi and Kuki groups and considering the demand of the people of the zone for union territory with legislation and explained how Endless discriminatory policies, sectarian attitudes and acts of genocide have continued. The state of Manipur justified this demand in true sense.