No group has authority to issue decrees: Manipur govt draws red line after insurgents push to boycott those involved in tourism fest

On December 3, the G-5, a conglomerate of five proscribed valley-based insurgent groups, had announced a resolution against the artists, businesses and individuals who participated in the festival, demanding an apology from them. As part of this, it had also declared a “one-year performance ban” on four Sumang Leela — a traditional form of theatre — associations.

The Manipur Police announced the registration of five cases across the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching in connection with the threats. Police said they arrested three cadres of these groups by Friday night. “Investigations are underway to identify and take necessary action against those involved,” police said in a statement.

Reacting to the threats issued by the groups, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel also issued a statement reacting to this threat, saying, “Any attempt to intimidate or endanger the safety and security of any citizen is an act against the state and its people.”

“The state reaffirms that no individual, group or organisation — whether proscribed or otherwise — has authority to issue decrees, impose punishments or restrict the lawful cultural, economic or artistic activities in Manipur. Any individual or organisation, without exception, found involved in issuing such threats or attempting to disturb the peaceful co-existence shall be prosecuted strictly in accordance with law,” the statement said.

Asking the public to report threats, extortion or “suspicious activity” to the police, the Chief Secretary issued an appeal to “stand united against unlawful elements and to cooperate in the initiatives of the state government towards maintaining peace, harmony and public order to bring back the state to the path of growth and development”.