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The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has issued a strong statement criticizing the handling of the Manipur conflict by both the central and state governments. Their national general secretary, Yagywalkya Shukla, in an interview with The Indian Express, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and the government's perceived failure to protect innocent lives. The ABVP's statement highlights a critical need for a thorough investigation into the conflict's origins, suggesting the possibility of an international conspiracy or a deliberate political agenda aimed at destabilizing the region. The organization also raises concerns about the pervasive issue of illegal immigration and drug trafficking, emphasizing the government's responsibility to address these factors contributing to the ongoing unrest.
A central point of contention for the ABVP is the seemingly unchecked access to sophisticated weaponry by various groups involved in the conflict. The availability of rockets and drone bombs, typically unavailable even to common armed forces personnel, points to a significant security lapse and raises questions about external support for these groups. Shukla directly attributes this failure to the state government, underscoring the need for immediate and decisive action to identify and neutralize these external forces. The ABVP emphasizes that while the central government has shown awareness of the problem, demonstrated by the extended stay of two ministers in Imphal, the results of these efforts have been insufficient and require significant improvement.
The ABVP's statement also touches upon the complexities of the peace talks, highlighting the challenges posed by competing political demands from the Meitei and Kuki communities. The organization calls for the identification and neutralization of the forces driving the state towards what they describe as ethnic genocide. While acknowledging the legitimacy of certain demands from both communities, the ABVP emphasizes the need to address these concerns within a framework that prioritizes peace and stability. They actively reject the framing of the conflict as a Hindu-Christian conflict, instead choosing to focus on it as an inter-community struggle requiring swift government action to restore peace and order.
Beyond criticism, the ABVP has also demonstrated a commitment to supporting the youth of Manipur. Despite the ongoing violence, ABVP activists are actively involved in educational initiatives, providing essential teaching services where schools have been disrupted. They are also running medical and food camps and providing crucial support to those affected by the conflict, including trauma counseling services. The ABVP's efforts underscore their dedication not just to political advocacy but also to providing practical assistance to the people of Manipur during this challenging period. Their actions indicate a commitment to on-the-ground support and community engagement alongside their broader political calls for governmental intervention and accountability.
The ABVP's stance reflects a broader concern within certain segments of Indian society regarding the state's handling of the Manipur crisis. Their statement serves as a significant critique, highlighting not only the security failures but also the perceived lack of effective political strategies to address the root causes of the conflict. Their emphasis on the need for a comprehensive investigation into external influences, coupled with their commitment to providing humanitarian aid, suggests a multifaceted approach to addressing the complex situation in Manipur. The ABVP's continued focus on this issue, including their planned resolution at their national convention, suggests a prolonged commitment to advocating for positive change and a more robust government response to the crisis in Manipur.