NEPO presents factual account to Amit Shah
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 26 2023:
The North East People's Organisation (NEPO), Manipur Chapter has submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, presenting a factual account of the present crisis besieging the State.
Firstly, the situation has to be brought under control with full protection of civilian population from any possible genocidal activities at any time by heavily armed militants who are undergoing Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the Government, said the memorandum.
Then a table for negotiations, if qualified for the situation, may be constituted for resolving the conflict situation through a series of talks, as expected of a democratic country.
Let bringing peace be the first symptomatic treatment and solution as the second be the therapeutic treatment for the present turmoil in the State of Manipur, it said.
It categorically said that the root of the present crisis in Manipur is illegal immigration from neighbouring countries, particularly Myanmar.
The North East region is a hotbed of cross-border terrorism staged mostly by illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries by taking advantage of porous and unchecked international borders.
Grave tussles existed between the indigenous communities and the invasive immigrants These have been amply shown by the Foreigners issues in Assam in late 1970's and similar issues in Manipur in 1980's.It said that several tribes from Myanmar illegally entered into Manipur in the 19th century and began occupying the southern borders of the State.
In the recent years, due to the political instability in Myanmar, several others also followed the same step and started the demand for a Kuki nation by segregating parts of Myanmar and parts of North East Region of India.
The recent case of demanding autonomy or separate administration may also be termed as a step towards the dream of Zalengam or Greater Mizoram or Greater Kukiland which further may pave the way for a Kuki Nation, it said.
Among the new immigrants, many armed groups entered into Suspension of operation (SoO) with the Govt.of India and the State Govt.
Taking the opportunity of SoO, they disguising as friends of India and its armed forces, indulged in all kinds of unlawful activities such as illegal occupation of large parts of reserved and protected forest areas, plantation of poppy plants in huge acres of hill-slopes, accumulation of wealth and weapons through arm and drugs businesses, and ferrying in more immigrants to sabotage the natural human geography of the NE region including Manipur, all with a dream towards total Kukinization of the North East region, said the memorandum.
Contrary to the global prohibition of racism, ethnic nationalism, narco-terrorism and deforestation, the so called groups have begun envenoming the Indian Nation in such a way that many of the Indian youths have become users of intoxicating drugs like No 4, Heroin and WY tablets etc, manufactured and sold by drug cartels.
India, the largest democratic country in the world, shall be globally questioned if the North East, the beautiful region of aboriginal ethnic communities, is allowed to be destroyed, the NEPO said.
It also gave a brief account of the history of Manipur.
Further, NEPO placed a 'charter of prayers' before the Union Home Minister.
The NEPO's charter of prayers:
1. Immediate halt to the acts of armed militants, specially those having Suspension of Operation ( SoO) as their continued unlawful acts go against bringing peaceful solution.
2.Creation of a platform for resolving all conflicting issues.
3.Abrogation of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement between the Govt of India and the armed militants.
4.Immediate intervention for rehabilitation, temporary settlement of displaced people, creation of temporary means of livelihood and resettlement of all indigenous population to their original places, irrespective of ethnicity.
5.Compensation for the lives lost and properties ruined during the recent riots.
6. Strict enforcement of the laws and Acts of the Nation and review of the land laws of the State.
7.Implementation of the NRC (National Registrar of Citizenship) in Manipur and institution of State Population Commission.
8.Protection of all ethnic minorities and justification of reservation distribution system for minority communities.
9.Immediate opening of the National Highways for vehicular movement.
10.Setting up of security barracks for guarding the abandoned/dismantled villages/localities.