Mizo Zirlai Pawl's statement denounced; termed 'reckless'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 02 2023:
The Eastern Liangmai Chief & Chairman Association (ELCCA), Ahangrok Chief Chairman Association (ACCA) and the Meetei Students' Association, Manipur University has denounced the statement of Mizo Zirlai Pawl regarding eviction of 'ethnic Zos' by the Government of Manipur.
A joint statement issued by Ch Karambou, president, ELCCA and Wisobou Charenmai, chairman, ACCA has asserted that the Manipur Government is merely carrying out its constitutional duties and stated that MZP should not interfere in the internal matters of the State.
Adding that MZP's statement can escalate communal flare ups in the States, the press release called it 'reckless' and advised MZP to consult its leaders and refrain from making baseless bulletins and misleading people.
Separately, the Meetei Students' Association (MSA), Manipur University offered a clarification against the MZP's statement in a press release issued by Paringanba Yumkhaibam, general secretary, MSA.
MSA asserted that there is no "racial discrimination" in Manipur while pointing out that eviction has also been carried out against other communities, namely, Muslims, Meeteis and other tribes who have encroached the Reserved Forests or the Government's land.
With reference to the MZP's critique of the Manipur Government demanding ILP from the Zo tribes, MSA clarified that Manipur cannot be compared to Mizoram as Mizoram is "already a protected land" while Manipur is not.
It called upon the North East brethren to abide by the rule of law and added that it is illogical to dictate and blame the Manipur Government.
Lastly, the Khundrakpam Kendra Youths Organisation (KHUKYO) has spoken out against certain organizations who have depicted the State Government's effort to save reserved forests and painting the effort in a communal light.
The statement attributed the encroachment of reserved forests to the signing of the 2008 SoO between the Manipur Govt and Central Govt and the settlement of Myanmar insurgents in these forests.
It added that this has posed a threat to the indigenous communities of the State.
The vehement opposition to the inclusion of Meetei in the ST list is also a measure to keep the Meetei community oppressed, KHUKYO said.