Imphal: The Top Body, a top body in the state, Thadou Inpi Manipur (Tim) on Thursday claimed that several leaders were detained at an Effal Hotel, where they had a peace meeting with Metei Civil Society Organizations last day.
A senior police officer dismissed the charge, stating that security personnel were deployed in the hostels to protect Tim representatives. A senior police officer said, “There is no detention or house arrest of Tim representatives, police personnel and central forces are deployed for security reasons, the government cannot take a risk in view of the current unrest.”
The Thadau delegation was part of a 16-member team that traveled to Imphal for peace dialogue. Wednesday’s meeting was seen as a step towards cohesion between Miitei and Kuki-ZO communities and included prominent stakeholders, including Manipur Integrity (COCCOMI), organization of all Manipur United Clubs (AMUCO) and coordination committee on other civil society groups.
Tim President James Theudu said, “The arrest and forced imprisonment of peaceful representatives is a clear violation of their democratic rights and freedom. It is a clear attempt to dissatisfaction and appeal to extremist forces in the valley.
In a statement on Wednesday, Tim said that the ‘Thaudu’ community was considered part of the long -cookie umbrella, but was actually a “separate indigenous identity”.
“The word has foreign origin, and those who adopt it today, often do this to pursue a separatist and extremist ideology. Many people who currently identify as cookies are suspected illegal immigrants, settled in Manipur in recent decades,” said Thadu.
James said he came to Imphal after the May 3 incident, despite the pressure of several groups, to start the peace process and restore peace.
Tim urged the government to take immediate action.
“We urge the Government of India to lift all the restrictions, release the detained leaders without any delay, and demonstrate their honesty in supporting indigenous peace,” the group said.
The statement warned, “This historical covenant should avoid any reduction. Manipur can have serious consequences for peace, stability and faith among communities.”
