A public meeting organised by the joint clubs, organisations and Meira Paibis of Khurai Thangjam Leikai, Khurai Thoudam Leikai and Khurai Ahongsangbam Leikai at Lainingthou Awangba Sanglen, Khurai Thangjam Leikai on Thursday discussed the current issue of Manipur that has engulfed the state for over three months now.
Addressing the meeting as chief guest, social/cultural activist Ningthouja Lancha said that the situation has gone from bad to worse due to the partiality of the Assam Rifles and those commanding the security forces.
The Meitei people have been driven out from Churachandpur, Moreh, Tuibong and Kangpokpi and they still cannot return to their respective places, he said, adding that until and unless those displaced Meitei people return and settle peacefully, the Meitei people should not remain silent.
Speaking at the meeting, Indigenous People’s Forum Manipur president Ashang Kasar, also appealed to all indigenous people to unite and stop causing untoward incidents in the valley, particularly in Imphal. Blocking their own people and causing destruction to each other will not bring any solution, he added.
He opined that to face such conflict, a commander was required from every indigenous community and from every corner of villages.
“It is not a time for separate ideology and different groups,” said Ashang Kasar urging all come forwards to form one unified group under one leader for directing steps.
He also called for maintaining peace in Imphal to be able to prevent mass impact and to guard vulnerable villages.
HOD of the Law Department of Manipur University, Dr. Y Premananda said it is a war and not an ethnic cleansing where the Meiteis are defending and not attacking.
Regarding the Suspension of Operation (SoO), Premananda said that according to law, SoO has to be automatically withdrawn as ground rules and agreement under SoO are not followed.
Law and order are very important but there is law and not order, he said, adding that the state government is responsible for maintaining law and order of the state, not the union government.
The public meeting was also attended by retired professor of political science MU, Konsham Ibo; former ASP Manipur, Thounaojam Brinda.
