IMPHAL/UKHRUL: The All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), along with like-minded organisations, has announced a series of agitations from October 24, opposing any proposal to establish an autonomous council in Manipur under the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) model or any other arrangement.
Addressing a press conference at its office in Kwakeithel on Friday, AMUCO president Sorokhaibam Sanjoy said the organisations had unanimously decided to launch the agitation to safeguard Manipur’s territorial integrity.
Sanjoy alleged that the Government of India had pursued policies that undermined the state’s territorial integrity, warning that the people would strongly resist any move that could alter Manipur’s political or territorial status.
He said the opposition was not limited to the BTC model but extended to any form of autonomous council in Manipur, particularly one established along community lines.
Sanjoy argued that Manipur’s historical and political status was distinct from regions that attained statehood through the elevation of autonomous district councils. He warned that introducing such an arrangement could trigger further demands for administrative restructuring and threaten the state’s territorial integrity.
Questioning a meeting held at the chief minister’s Secretariat in Mantripukhri on Wednesday, Sanjoy sought clarification on its agenda and purpose. According to details cited at the press conference, the meeting was attended by former Intelligence Bureau special director A.K. Mishra, Rajya Sabha member Pramod Boro, retired Lieutenant General R.P. Kalita and chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
The meeting reportedly discussed the Bodoland Happiness Mission. However, Sanjoy expressed concern over the lack of public clarity surrounding the discussions.
“Conducting a meeting among those central officials and the chief minister at this juncture, without informing the public about its purpose, is very unfortunate,” he said.
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He also questioned Mishra’s involvement, citing his earlier role as an interlocutor in talks with Kuki groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement. Sanjoy sought clarity on whether the discussions could have implications for Manipur’s political and territorial status.
He cautioned both the state and Central governments against pursuing proposals that could hurt public sentiment, alleging a gap between their stated positions and actions.
Sanjoy further questioned whether the government was acting in the interests of the people, despite India’s status as the world’s largest democracy.
Organisations supporting the proposed agitation include the All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (PLMPAM), Committee on Human Rights (COHR) and Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF).
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