Women’s civil society group Imagi Meira has sharply criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his recent remarks suggesting that a new government in Manipur could be formed through an understanding between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
At a press conference held at the Manipur Press Club, Convenor Thokchom Sujata called the statement “insensitive and misleading,” particularly in the context of ongoing violence allegedly committed by Kuki militants in Meitei-populated areas.
“Peace without justice is not possible. Delhi continues to ignore the suffering of our people,” Sujata stated.
She also took aim at Manipur’s elected representatives, accusing them of silence and inaction.
“Are our MLAs on summer vacation? We don’t care if you attend football tournaments or Lai Haraoba—what we want is leadership. You are drawing salaries, so fulfil your duty to the people,” she said.
Sujata further questioned why no MLA had publicly countered the Union Minister’s remarks.
“You should be telling the Home Minister—this is not a communal crisis,” she asserted.
Imagi Meira also condemned the FIRs filed by Kuki organisations against civil society members who have publicly supported the “Idea of Manipur” , warning that such attempts to suppress peaceful voices would only worsen the situation.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to defending the identity and rights of Manipur’s indigenous communities and vowed to carry the movement forward with even greater resolve.
