Imphal: Arambai Tenggol has expressed serious concern over the recent arrests of individuals from the Meitei community who had reportedly played a key role in encouraging the surrender of arms following the govt’s appeal for peace in Manipur.In a statement issued on Sunday, Arambai Tenggol, a socio-cultural organisation that has been accused of involvement in Manipur’s conflict, said the Meitei community, village volunteers, and Arambai Tenggol responded positively to the govt’s call for surrender of arms and participated in the process in good faith.However, the organisation said the recent arrests of individuals associated with the peace initiative have shaken public confidence and sent a dangerous message that those who cooperated with the govt’s appeal are now being criminalised.“The youths of Manipur did not choose conflict. They were forced into extraordinary circumstances when law and order collapsed, innocent lives were threatened, homes were attacked, and families were left to defend themselves. When the state failed to provide adequate security, thousands of young people stood between their communities and destruction, risking their education, careers, and even their lives to protect their families and villages,” it said.“When the Govt of India appealed for the surrender of arms and assured the people that the peace process would be carried forward with fairness and understanding, the Meitei community, village volunteers and Arambai Tenggol responded promptly and positively, by leading the process for the first time as part of the peace process and handed over arms in good faith,” it stated.It warned that recent arrests of Meitei community members risk derailing the fragile peace process and discouraging others from cooperating with future peace initiatives.Arambai Tenggol also raised concern about an imbalance in law enforcement, alleging that a higher number of Meiteis has been arrested or prosecuted compared with members of the Kuki-Zo community. It further claimed that certain armed groups operating in other areas have not faced similar scrutiny, a perception it said is contributing to growing mistrust among communities.The organisation maintained that lasting peace can only be achieved through fair implementation of the law, respect for commitments made during the peace process, and equal treatment of all communities.It went on to caution that selective punitive measures against youths who have returned to civilian life could prove counterproductive and risk derailing ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the state.Arambai Tenggol reiterated that a peaceful, united, and prosperous Manipur should remain the collective objective of all communities and authorities.
