IMPHAL, June 24: Women’s civil society group Imagi Meira has issued a sharp rebuttal to recent remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the ongoing crisis in Manipur. The organisation condemned the minister’s comments as “deeply insensitive” and accused the Centre of ignoring the plight of the Meitei people.

Addressing the media, Imagi Meira Convenor Thokchom Sujata criticised Shah’s statement suggesting a new government in Manipur could be formed through understanding between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Sujata said such a suggestion was misleading in the face of “unchecked violence” allegedly perpetrated by Kuki militants and looters in hill and foothill regions inhabited by Meiteis.

“It is shocking that while Kuki-backed violence continues unchecked, the Home Minister speaks of reconciliation without even acknowledging the violence,” she stated. “How can peace be built on such a foundation?”

Sujata also blamed the BJP-led central government for its failure to restore peace in the state, despite holding an absolute majority. She pointed out that national highways remain unsafe and ordinary citizens continue to live in fear, while the Centre maintains silence.

Opposition parties did not escape criticism either. “Even those in opposition have failed to take a firm and principled stand. If they truly believe that forming a government in this situation is unjust, they must say so and act on it,” she asserted.

Imagi Meira also condemned the FIRs filed by Kuki organisations against civil society leaders for using slogans such as “Manipur Kaiba Yaroi” (Let’s Save Manipur) and speaking about the “Idea of Manipur.” The organisation called this an attempt to criminalise peaceful dissent and warned that it would only escalate tensions.

“Filing FIRs to silence public voices is dangerous. If protecting Manipur’s identity is a crime, then let it be known—we will not be silenced,” Sujata declared.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to defending the territorial, cultural, and political integrity of Manipur, stating that the movement to preserve the state’s identity will continue despite efforts to intimidate or suppress dissent.