MLAs pledge to protect and preserve Manipur's integrity
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 30 2023:
Even as the violent conflict between Kukis and the Meities intensifies in some vulnerable pockets of the State, some MLAs have sworn to the people to protect and preserve Manipur's integrity and its political and administrative structure.
The MLAs who have made their stand known to the people include Paonam Brojen, Kongkham Robindro and Tongbram Robindro.
Thanga MLA Tongbram Robindro today reaffirmed his stance to protect Manipur's integrity at any cost and called for unity among the people.
The MLA was speaking to the media persons while distributing ration to the 16 relief camps opened across Thanga AC.
As many as 1,600 displaced people are at the camps in Thanga.
"As the people of Thanga AC have elected me as their representative, I will never turn my back on them.
I will always act as per their wishes and sentiments," he said, vowing that he will fight from the frontline to defend the State's integrity from all external and internal forces.
Stating the demerits of implementing President Rule in Manipur, he said if PR comes then it will be a big loss for all and all elected representatives who stand for Manipur's integrity will no longer be able to use their responsibilities.
The MLA explained that the elected representatives have larger and responsible roles to play and take up all efforts to achieve people's wishes of protecting the State's integrity.
Regarding the grievances of the displaced people sheltering at the different relief camps across his Constituency, Robindro said that the Government is taking up all measures for their rehabilitation and resettlement.
In the meantime, the people of Thanga AC will look after all the needs of the displaced people, the MLA said.
Mayang Imphal AC MLA Kongkham Robindro said he will lead the people from the front and sacrifice his life to protect State's integrity.
When a large crowd of people stormed the residence of the MLA, he pacified the people and said he stands with the people and is against the demand raised by 10 Kuki-Chin MLAs for a separate administration.
The MLA said he was among the MLAs who visited Amit Shah in Guwahati and told the Union Minister against giving in to the demand for a separate administration.
During the meeting, the Union Home Minister was apprised of the situation and violence perpetrated by SoO Kuki militants against Meitei villages and civilians.
The MLAs urged the Union Home Minister to take appropriate and stringent action against the Kuki militants who have broken the ground rules of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, K Robindro said.
He further affirmed that he will work according to the will of the people of Mayang Imphal AC and in the interest of the State.
Similarly, Wangjing-Tentha AC MLA Paonam Brojen also affirmed his stand on the present conflict and said he will not remain in the chair as an MLA if the situation demands.
P Brojen said he will work side by side with the people and protect Manipur's integrity.
Addressing a press meet at his official residence at Babupara, the MLA said the present conflict and the damages it has inflicted to the people and their properties is very unfortunate.
He expressed confidence that Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit and stay in the State at present will have a positive impact and help restore normalcy and peace.
He also appealed to the civil society organisations and the people to practice restraint and calmly present their representations to the Union Home Minister for enabling the Centre to take the right course of actions.
To protect and save Manipur's integrity, he will leave the chair of the MLA if the situation arises.
He will work with the people and sacrifice his life to protect Manipur's integrity, he said.