Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Thursday met with representatives of various committees at the Raj Bhavan who apprised her of the various conditions and situations of the state.
Four representatives of the Committee on Protection & Preservation of Historical Rights of Koubru and Thangjing Hill ranges led by Y Shyam Singh called on the Governor at the Raj Bhavan and requested to take appropriate steps to protect the sanctity of the two hill ranges.
The team apprised the governor of the prevailing situation in these hill ranges in the aftermath of ethnic violence and requested to take steps to protect it. They said Kuki militants have been dominating the Thangjing and Koubru hills and their flags and religious emblem have also been hoisted there.
As per a release from the Raj Bhavan, the representatives told the governor that it is against the sentiments of the Meitei people as both the places are of religious importance to the community. Therefore, it should be removed and the status quo should be maintained, they added. Stating that they have already apprised the situation to the Chief Minister in the month of September and an FIR was lodged on 17 September 2023 unfortunately no concrete steps to remove the installations at the aforesaid areas is being seen.
The Governor, while assuring the team to take steps, said that she will speak to the Chief Minister regarding this matter and asked the team not to resort to form of protest or violence. She said, things will be alright as the Centre and state government are taking steps to end the conflict between the two communities. Efforts are on to prevent any untoward incidents as central forces are being deployed in all the vulnerable areas of the state.
A five-member team of Koireng Youth Organisation led by RN Boipu Koireng also called on the Governor at the Raj Bhavan and requested for taking up steps for the safety and security of the community amid the ongoing strife in the state. The team apprised the Governor about their apprehension, hardships and suffering caused by the conflict between two communities, the Raj Bhavan said.
They said, of the total 10 villages spotted in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Imphal West districts, almost all have been affected and there have been acute shortages of essential commodities and food items. The team urged the Governor to take steps to protect them and also to extend help to their needs.
The Governor, while giving them a patience hearing, said that she will talk to DGP, Manipur to take appropriate security measures to ensure a secure environment for the people of the community. She asked the team to approach the concerned Deputy Commissioner for their requirements, the Raj Bhavan said.
Representatives of Churachandpur Medical College Guardians Association led by Md. Anuwar Hussain met Governor Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhavan and requested to look into the grievances faced by the medical students of Churachandpur Medical College. They said, out of the total 100 students (2nd Batch MBBS), 92 students including 12 from outside the state have been facing a lot of difficulties in their studies. They continued that although classes have commenced from September 1 for batch 2023-24 at State Academy of Training, students are deprived of practical classes and hostel facilities.
They also drew the attention of the Governor to look into the issue and requested her to direct the concerned authorities to take steps at the earliest possible time, the Raj Bhavan stated.
The Governor spoke to Commissioner (Health) PK Jha over phone during the meeting and asked to address the grievances faced by the students. The Commissioner informed the Governor that arrangements are going on to accommodate the students to the hostel facilities of SAT and priority will be given to girl students and the process to hire private rented apartments is also going on and within 7-10 days the issue will be solved. Governor assured the guardians to extend help in the best interest of the students and asked them to console their wards.
Governor also convened a meeting with Vice Chancellor of Manipur University Professor N Lokendra Singh on Thursday evening and discussed the issues pertaining to the students and employees of Manipur University who have been displaced to Churachandpur and other hill districts, the Raj Bhavan said.
Representations requesting for an alternate arrangement made by the students and employees were also discussed in the meeting. Governor instructed the VC to look into these issues and also asked him to meet the Chief Secretary.
