An open letter to Chief Minister
Lamtinthang Haokip *
Nongthombam Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur at Raj Bhavan on 15th March 2017 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam
Congratulations! on behalf of "Society for Peace and Development" (SOPD), Kangpokpi District, Manipur, for your dramatic victory: forming and becoming the first ever BJP government and BJP Chief Minister of Manipur.
Hon'ble Sir, oppositions were agitated, worried and upset but the common people like me were curious but now in a mood of jubilation after your government sailed-through all tides and storms (floor-test/show of strength-with 33 Hon'ble MLAs proved their trust on you and solidarity on your government). Sir, your Government under your judicious headship will remain as annals for the state and her people. Once again, Congratulations.
Hon'ble Sir, while blazing appreciations and congratulations pour-in your good office, I am sure that there are pressures and demands knocking sincerity and wisdom of your government to act as an agent for "Saab Ka Saat, Saab Ka Vikas".
Hon'ble Sir, in tune with your commitment and our Hon'ble Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modiji's mantra, "Saab Ka Saat, Saab Ka Vikas", SOPD take this opportunity to draw your most immediate attention for "Peace and Development" in the state and Saitu-Gamphazol Area under 51-Saitu Assembly Constituency, Kangpokpi District, in particular.
That, the envision and formation of Kuki Revolutionary movement (UG) for Kuki State under Article 2 & 3 of Indian Constitution since 1988 witnessed terrific situation and lost of many innocent lives due to Arm-conflict between Kuki UGs and Government forces.
Fortunately, the signing of "Suspension of Operation" (SoO) in 2005 between Kuki UGs and Government of India brought a great relief and happiness to the people of the state and the Kuki community in particular. The interest and party to the SoO by the state (Manipur) Government on 22nd August 2008 floats more hopes and expectations for Peace and Harmony in the state.
Despite certain drawbacks and anomalies of SoO, the common people (Kuki community) started pursuing for their daily livelihood activities, schooling, etc. without fear or frighten after signing of SoO.
On the record, establishment of designated Peace Camp for this UGs under SoO enormously contributes in maintaining Peace, Harmony and Progressive Development to an extend in the state, especially within Kangpokpi district. This peaceful and harmonious situation is entirely attributed to all the stakeholders, Central and State Government and Kuki UG groups for their concerns and initiatives.
That, unfortunately, the direct/indirect involvement of UGs under SoO groups in the just concluded 11th Sate Assembly Election, 2017 becomes a nightmare, especially for the common people within Saitu-Gamphazol Area (51-Saitu AC).
Sir, I may be judgmental but the truth remains that in every election then and now in a state like Manipur, the involvement of any UG groups are undeniable. Nonetheless, unlike the past, the 11th State Assembly Election went-off peacefully with the selfless services and contribution from Central and State Forces despite minor ruckus or discrepancies.
That, while the common people of Saitu-Gamphazol area was in anyway optimistic of the election processes and the supposed outcome, a war-like situation haunted back to the said area and the people on 6th of April 2017. At around 04:40pm on the said day, a heavy shoot-out took place between two UG groups (KNF/UPF and KRA/KNO) who are both under SoO.
This unfortunate war-like situation led to "mistrust, suspicion, no-safe-zone, insecurity, etc" between and among the people of the area. Since then, people's lives are at stake, they no longer feel safe and secure in their own home and land, their livelihood activities and schooling for students are pursued with their own risk till today.
In most cases, all such daily activities are on halt giving no chance for being subjected to life threat, harassment, punishment, ill-treatment etc from both the warring group.
That, even while the people of this area are still longing, praying and do their best to restore Peace and Harmony, it is suspected that there are some disgruntle groups (common people or any new UGs we are not sure) are on their feet to create enmity and carry out anti-social activities in the yet to earn peaceful environment area.
Perhaps, it may be too early to judge on the apparent presence of anti-social elements, but the people of the said area are optimistic and expect the positive side that the concern Assam Rifles and State Forces stationed in and around this area will take preventive measures from such mischievous plans.
Therefore, Hon'ble Sir, I made this humble appeal as a concern citizen for Peace and Development that, your effective and committed Government for the people, take immediate measures to stop such perceptible harmful activities and restore back normalcy in the said explosive and hostile area, and that we can actively participate in the much accorded slogan "Saab Ka Saat, Saab Ka Vikas". Jai Hind…!
Yours' sincerely,
Lamtinthang Haokip, Ph. D
Coordinator, SOPD
* Lamtinthang Haokip wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was posted on April 04, 2017.
* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.