Kakching Assembly constituency MLA Mayanglangbam Rameshwar on Sunday asserted that the Kuki population in the 10 Kuki-dominated constituencies in Manipur had risen by 75 per cent between 2022-24.
“The reason behind this abnormal spike in demography becomes crystal clear when we analyse the chain of events that has unfolded within the last few months,” he said.
He was speaking at the release cum premier of the first historical feature film of Manipur ‘Mareibak Ningba Herachandra’ at MSFDS auditorium, Imphal.
The MLA further stated that encroachment on state’s reserved areas and attempts to convert panchayati areas into ADCs also spiked following the population shift.
“The influx of illegal immigrants resulted in these developments and as such, it is vital we separate the foreigners from the indigenes,” he said.
He highlighted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also assured to finish the NRC process by March, 2024 with 1961 as the base year.
Those who came after 1961 will be kicked out of the country, he added.
He stated that the conflict in Manipur had been triggered by illegal Kuki militants who funded the conflict by setting up poppy plantations in remote areas of Manipur.
“These infiltrators funded their extremist views with poppy money and hatched their evil plan to divide and destroy Manipur,” he said.
He maintained that documentation of historical record was the only way for Manipur to reserve a place on the global platform.
He exuded confidence that the film would draw people’s curiosity in the state’s history and develop patriotic consciousness.
He stated that protecting and safeguarding motherland was vital for culture and tradition to thrive.
“The government is also figuring out measures to unite Manipuris scattered across the globe,” he said.
The film has been produced by Ibudhou Khamlamgba Films, Manipur and is directed by Haorongbam Maipaksana.
The film depicts the contributions and sacrifices of Herachandra in reclaiming Manipur’s freedom from the hands of Ava (Burmese) during the Seven Years’ Devastation (Chahi Taret Khuntakpa). Seven Years’ Devastation took place from 1819-1825.
Manipur Film Forum chairman L Surjakanta, DIPR joint director T Ramesh and eminent personalities from the state’s film fraternity were also present at the premier.
