Who oppressed who
Rejoinder to Naga Youth Front article appeared on June 3 2010 in Morung Express

Santosh Angomcha *

It is well known fact that the best essay writer is the who can sling as much as dirty mud on the Meiteis. This is evident in any literary writing Competition organized by frontal organizations of NSCN (IM) in Manipur. They are habitual liars. A hypocrite in biblical term. We cannot help them. If Meitei's blood ever saved his life ultimately he would say that the blood was impure.

Paper war is the last resort for the frustrated desperados who are not successful in their practical activities. But white Crane is black - if some liars and gossip mongers continue to distort the very fact the way some scoundrels who claimed to be 'holy Nagas' in some hill areas attempt to hijack the very right of people of Manipur. It is unfortunate and the time calls for all the Manipuris to stand together and teach a lesson to these traitors that should worth remembering throughout their life.

How the Tangkhuls and other institutions that embraced "Tangkhunism" blaming Meiteis to have robbed their right? This is self created. In the name of Nagas, the Meiteis have suffered enough and patience has almost run out.

Some figures of the post holding by the tribal and Meiteis in Manipur are being highlighted for public awareness.

(i) There are a total Number of 35 IPS including those conferred ones from MPS. 17 posts are presently holding by the tribal of Manipur. Six posts are held by Non-Manipuris hailing from outside Manipur. Only 12 IPS are from Meiteis, Meiteis Pangal and the Schedule Caste community. The total population of Manipur is around 25 lacs. Whereas the total population of Meiteis in Manipur is 17 Lacs. The total population of tribal are approximately 7 Lacs consisted of 50% Nagas and 50% from Kuki-Chin groups.

(ii) The total Number of IAS officer working in Manipur in their different capacities are 61. Out of these, 20 officers belonged to tribal. 21 posts go to Non-Manipuris from outside the State. The remaining 21 posts are held by the major Community Meiteis and sharing with sub community Meitei Pangal and Schedule caste sections etc.

(iii) The total Number of MCS officers are 48. Out of these, 17 posts are held by tribal and 31 posts go to Meiteis.

(iv) The total Number of MPS officers are 45. Out of this, 34 belonged to Meiteis and other sections as shown above and rest belonged to tribal.

(v) Interestingly many posts in 3rd and 4th grade sections, tribals enjoyed the lion share in the name of Schedule Tribes. Any job under the Sun in Manipur, the quota and reservation are kept priority - upto 30% or 40% etc. The same is implied in the police and IRB sectors. One should be true to himself before telling lies that most of IRBs and State Police deployed at Mao gate recently were the representatives of those quota and reservations.

Please stop calling a 'Meitei force'. There are only few numbers of Meiteis. Please remember - go south or west - Police is the same. You taste the commandoes for the first time in life but this is everyday here in Imphal. We acknowledge, the Meitei acknowledges, all kinds of quotas in Manipur upholding the spirit of peace and co-existence.

However in some professional posts like doctor, engineer and teachers, the major communities Meiteis seem to have deployed more. In some subjects, they say Meiteis are the best. When it comes to the health treatment, people will visit the Meiteis doctor. In the same way, when mathematics and numerical things comes, tribal seems to be not interested. That is how we find one mathematics and science teacher in all the hill schools. This is some areas where reservation and quotas are to be exempted in larger interest of humanity.

(vi) The longest serving Chief Minister of Manipur was none other than a tribal Tangkhul. He served more than 15 years within the span of 40 years since Manipur attained statehood status in Indian Union. Tribal Welfare Ministry had been instituted since the birth of Manipur State. From the day one since the inception of the Ministry till today tribal welfare Ministers have been continuously held by tribal only.

If the funds meant for the tribal people had ever been alleged to have siphoned off than this is the tribal Minister not necessarily a Meitei's name to be dragged in the scene. Please keep the record straight for Jesus' sake. When stealing and unscrupulous things occurred within the family why point finger to the poor neighbor.

(vii) The total geographical area of Manipur is 22,327 Sq.kms. The State has 90% hill area which had been protected by the Kings and his Royal Forces since time immemorial. Unfortunately the major community Meitei who occupies a small section of valley is not allowed to settle in any parts of the hill area. However, tribal can settle in any part of Manipur and that is how many unscrupulous so called tribal leaders are stationing in Imphal and wage a war against the interest of the Manipuris and instigating innocent tribal people to declare war against the Meiteis to conceal their misdeeds.

The more people in the hills raise their voice the 'creamy layer' tribal section in the valley enjoyed the more. There are more than 200 tribal villages in the valley under the name and styles of their own. Meitei never reacts when they rename the village nomenclatures. The Paomai colony, The Tangkhuls Colony, Nagaram, Dewlaland and Zaomi Villas are few among the hundreds.

(viii) The question of oppression by the Meiteis on the tribal does not make any proper sense if the recent ADC primary teacher recruitment is of any indication. Out of the total of 3000 (in number) appointment, around 2500 (in number) of tribal candidates have been appointed on self-styled basis breaching all existing code and conduct of appointment rule.

This is the real picture of the tribal in Manipur or the Tangkhuls who engineers much hues and cries using the name of oppression. Yes many of our educated youth in the hills could not apply for the jobs out of apprehension for these large Number of 2500 teachers post that belonged to the kith and kin of NSCN IM family. The dangerous people are those who have two national identities. When in Nagaland they are Naga citizen and in Manipur they never compromise on any money related projects.

(ix) At present there are five tribal elected from Congress ticket that formed the ruling party, Out of that, three are enjoying cabinet berths and one is holding Chairman, Manipur Tribal Development Co-Operation, a cabinet status post.

The last one is holding the most coveted and highest post in the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) as the President.

Last but not the least there are three MPs representing the State in the National parliament. Interestingly out of the three precious MPs two are from tribal community one from Naga and another from Kuki Community. If the spirit of Meitei chauvinism had ever influenced the present government than the two tribal representatives would have never found their way to parliament.

Man is rational being that is why he is distinguished from other beings. Please act accordingly.