COPPK slams N Biren Singh's Government as "Fake Government'
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, April 22 2021: The Committee on Protection and Preservation of Mt Koubru (COPPK) raised questioned against the statement of Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, in which he mentioned that the State Government had no talk or agreement with any party on the Koubru issue.

Speaking to a media person at KSO Sadar Hills Administrative office, Thanglensei Kipgen, Chairman COPPK displayed the agreement which was signed by Water Resources and YAS Minister, Letpao Haokip; Forest and Environment Minister, Awangbou Newmai as the Government representatives.

The agreement was signed by Thanglensei Kipgen, Chairman COPPK, Dr Lamtinthang Haokip, Secretary COPPK and Tongmang Haokip, Adviser COPPK as the representatives of COPPK, SAHILCA and CSOs of Kangpokpi district.

Thanglensei Kipgen stated that he was also a part of the meeting on April 20 with the Government representatives Minister Letpao Haokip and Minister Awangbou Newmai, entrusted by the Chief Minister to meet with COPPK at the official quarters of Minister Letpao Haokip.

COPPK slams N Biren Singh's Government as "Fake Government'

He stated the meeting was initiated by the Government and the committee accepted the invitation of the State Government for an amicable solution.

Illustrating the authenticity of the agreement, COPPK Chairman said that while drafting the agreement it was first forwarded to the Chief Minister, who altered some of the words and after rectifying it was again forwarded to him.

It was only after his approval that the two Ministers signed the agreement followed by the committee representatives.

He also alleged that after the agreement was signed the Ministers told them that the Chief Minister wanted to keep the agreement confidential and to not leak it in social media.

So, the agreement was kept confidential till date but owing to the circumstances the committee was compelled to exhibit it to the people of Manipur that an agreement was truly and practically made between the state Government and COPPK.

Recalling the similar incident of Haraothel issue, COPPK Chairman pointed out that the agreement signed between the state Government and the CSOs Kangpokpi at midnight was also declared as a 'fake agreement' by the Chief Minister the next morning.

Thanglensei Kipgen further questioned the legitimacy of the BJP Government and it's Minister and wondered if the BJP led coalition Government in Manipur is a 'fake Government' and its Minister particularly Minister Letpao Haokip and Awangbou Newmai were 'fake Minister' in the State.

He also wondered as to why the Chief Minister is always playing with the sentiments and emotions of the tribal people especially the Kukis.

He accused the Chief Minister of fooling the tribal populace especially Kangpokpi people by entrusting his Ministers to represent the State Government in a meeting and on the other hand declaring anything at his whims and fancy, completely ignoring his Minister's agreement with the other party.

He also said that the attitude of Chief Minister N Biren Singh clearly exhibited that he is not the 'People's CM' but only 'one particular community CM'.

The committee also questioned Minister Letpao Haokip and Minister Awangbou Newmai on the sincerity and authenticity of their signatures in the agreement.

Earlier, COPPK after signing the agreement had urged the State Government to at least honour and respect the written agreement even if it failed to respect the gentleman's agreement on Mt Koubru impasse.

Dr Lamtinthang Haokip also appealed to the people of Manipur to respect the agreement signed with the Government in the larger interest of peaceful coexistence and harmony.

The four points agreement stated that- as was practised since ages, it is agreed that there will be no restrictions of pilgrimages or worshippers to Mt Koubru in the first point.

Secondly, in order to protect and preserve the sacredness and sanctity of Mt Koubru, it is agreed that the traditional and present status at Mt Koubru shall be maintained.

Thirdly, agreed that the Committee on Protection and Preservation of Mt Koubru and the Government shall take steps to eradicate the cultivation of Poppy plant.

The fourth point stated that the above agreement is made with a view to protect and preserve the ecosystem and biodiversity of Koubru range.

It may also be mentioned that on April 21, thousands of pilgrimage under the aegis of Kangleipak Kanba Lup (KKL), UKAL and other valley based CSOs climbed Mt Koubru and there was no report of any restrictions despite the pilgrims completely violating the strict COVID-19 advisory/SOPs in such a time when the State is experiencing sudden surge of COVID-19 infection.

Interestingly, the District Disaster Management Authority, District Administration, SP, State police including police commandos instead of enforcing the Covid Appropriate Behaviours and SOPs were mere spectators to the massive violation of COVID-19 advisory when the State is under sudden surge of COVID-19 infection.