An Open Letter to President Joe Biden
- 09th September 2023 : Meitei Diaspora and supporters -

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The Honorable Joseph R. Biden Jr.
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Biden,

We, the Meitei diaspora around the world, extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to you on the occasion of your visit to India for the G20 summit. Your presence at this international gathering holds great significance for us, as it underscores the strong ties and shared interests between the United States and India. We applaud your commitment to global cooperation and diplomacy, which are more critical now than ever in our evolving world.

As you engage in vital discussions with leaders from around the globe during the G20 summit, we would like to draw your attention to some pressing issues that plague Manipur on the Indo-Myanmar border, which warrant your consideration and advocacy. These issues hold profound implications not only for India but also for global stability, security, and environmental sustainability.

We would like to draw your attention to the environmental degradation resulting from extensive opium poppy cultivation in the region. Large-scale poppy plantations are not only a driver of the ongoing conflict but also lead to severe ecological consequences, including deforestation, soil erosion, and damage to vital ecosystems. The release of stored carbon dioxide from deforested areas contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating global climate change.

The alteration of local weather patterns and disruption of rainfall cycles have direct consequences for our communities, including increased vulnerability to extreme weather events and food insecurity. Environmental activists in the region have sounded the alarm, highlighting the urgent need for rehabilitation efforts to mitigate the damage caused by poppy cultivation.

We implore you to address the issue of illegal infiltration across borders. India has seen a significant influx of refugees from neighboring Myanmar, driven by political unrest and economic hardship. This unchecked infiltration poses multifaceted challenges, including potential power struggles, threats to national security, and exploitation of vulnerable populations.

Your advocacy for addressing this issue can foster international cooperation in protecting the rights and safety of asylum-seekers while safeguarding the security of host nations.

We urge you to highlight the issue of drug proliferation and cross-border trafficking of narcotics. The unchecked flow of narcotics through the northeastern region of India poses a significant threat to both India's national security and global efforts to combat drug-related crime.

The porous Indo-Myanmar border has become a hotspot for drug trafficking activities, with militant groups exploiting the region's vulnerabilities. By shedding light on this issue at the G20 summit, you can contribute to international cooperation in curbing drug trafficking, protecting communities from the devastating impact of drugs, and bolstering global security.

President Biden, your leadership on the global stage is crucial in addressing these complex and interrelated issues. By bringing them to the forefront of discussions at the G20 summit, you can foster international cooperation, drive meaningful change, and contribute to a safer, more secure, and environmentally sustainable future for all.

Your commitment to these pressing concerns will undoubtedly strengthen the bonds between our two nations and help build a better world.

Once again, welcome to India, and we wish you a successful and productive visit to our country.

Sincerely,
Meitei Diaspora and supporters

Copy to:
o Narendra Modi,
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India

o Amit Shah,
Hon’ble Minister of Home Affairs of India

o Shri Dr. S Jaishankar,
Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs of India

o Shri N. Biren Singh,
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur, India

o Kamala Harris,
Hon’ble Vice President of the United States of America

o Antony John Blinken,
Secretary of State, United States of America

o Ro Khanna,
Congressman, Hon’ble United States House of Representatives