Imphal, June 24: Women’s civil society group Imagi Meira has strongly criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent remarks on the Manipur conflict, accusing the Central government of ignoring the suffering of the Meitei people and undermining the state’s ongoing crisis.

Addressing a press conference at the organisation’s Sagolband office today, Imagi Meira Convenor Thokchom Sujata condemned Shah’s comment suggesting that a new government in Manipur could be formed through an understanding between the Meitei and Kuki communities. She termed the statement “deeply insensitive and misleading,” alleging that it overlooks the continuing violence in foothill and hill areas attributed to Kuki militants.

“It is shocking that while Kuki-backed violence continues unchecked, the Home Minister speaks of reconciliation without justice. How can peace be built when the violence is not even acknowledged?” Sujata asked.

She further accused the BJP-led government of failing to restore normalcy in the state, despite holding an absolute majority. “National highways are repeatedly blocked, and innocent civilians live in fear, yet Delhi remains indifferent,” she added.

The group also criticised opposition leaders at both the state and national levels for their silence. “If they truly believe forming a government in this situation is unjust, they must say so clearly and take action,” Sujata said.

Imagi Meira also denounced the filing of FIRs by Kuki organisations against civil society leaders who raised slogans like “Manipur Kaiba Yaroi” (Let’s Save Manipur). Sujata warned that criminalising peaceful dissent would only worsen the situation.

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

The group reaffirmed its resolve to continue the movement for protecting Manipur’s territorial and cultural identity, vowing to speak out louder against any form of intimidation.