Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: The All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) is demanding urgent financial relief for businesses crippled by ethnic violence. The group officially condemned the blockades and counter-blockades that have choked the state since May 3, 2023. These roadblocks have severed transit routes and squeezed small-scale industries. The group labeled these actions "dangerous instruments of war" used to target communities and force political agendas.
AMUCO wants the state and Centre to step in now. They are calling for tax breaks, special economic revival packages, and a moratorium on bank loan recovery proceedings for those hit by the fighting. They also urged officials to lobby the Reserve Bank of India for broader financial support. The group warned that continued retaliatory blockades only accelerate the economic collapse and harden divisions between neighbors.
The group’s frustration with New Delhi hit a breaking point during the 29th Manipur Integrity Day. Members gathered at the Kwakeithel Akham Leikai Community Hall and the Manipur Integrity Pillar to honor the mass rally of April 4, 1997. AMUCO President Sanjoy Sorokhaibam used the event to blast the federal government. He claimed that despite months of security deployments, the state remains volatile. "It is for this reason that AMUCO no longer has faith in the Government of India," Sorokhaibam stated.
He alleged that the Centre is conducting a proxy war and accused officials of ignoring years of pleas for peace. Sorokhaibam declared that local people have protected their land for a thousand years and must continue to do so without relying on outsiders. AMUCO is now preparing for a massive public rally, potentially eclipsing the historic 1997 protest, if the violence persists. The event saw participation from various leaders, including Soraisham Memcha of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, W. Ibema Chanu of AMAWOVA, Atongpi Kamei of KAMA, and representatives from the NPO, Hmar Inpui, Maring Uparoup Assembly, Thadou Inpui, and AMMPACO.
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