Meghen cites lessons to learn from conflict
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 19 2023:
Former rebel leader RK Meghen has said that one big lesson which the Meiteis can learn from the conflict with the Kukis is to start unification and work towards a common goal.
Speaking to media persons after distributing relief materials at different camps set up in Moirang at Moirang College today, RK Meghen claimed that the acts of violence carried out by Kuki militant groups in Churachandpur, Moreh, Ikou, Torbung following the Tribal Solidarity March on May 3 was pre-planned.
It won't be wrong to assume that the attack was carried out by taking the Meitei people as their common enemy, he claimed.
Saying that the violence has given the Meiteis a lesson to focus on unification of the people and work collectively to protect Manipur, Meghen continued that unity among the indigenous people is needed to safeguard Manipur.
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Saying that Meiteis are very generous to friends and ferocious to foes, RK Meghen stated that there is no reason why Meiteis should not stand against the act of their adversary if they are provoked.
To a query, RK Meghen responded that ending the ethnic conflict in Manipur will take time.
"To end the conflict, political as well as demographic solutions are needed," he suggested.
The Kukis who were brought in during the British rule can be considered as Manipuris but those who managed to enter the State from Myanmar or other areas in the last 25 years or so should never be counted as Manipuris," he alleged.
RK Meghen also claimed that illegal immigrants have also set up 1500 to 1600 unregistered villages in the hill districts.
There won't be any solution for the conflict if there is no mutual understanding between the people, he added.
Saying that the relations between the Meitei and Kuki may be restored when they admit their wrongdoings and tender an apology, RK Meghen said that some international and National media houses depicting the Meitei in the wrong light and Kuki as the sole victim of the conflict is very unfortunate.
The arson, killing and other forms of violence committed by Kuki militant groups was an organised crime provoking the Meitei to respond, he claimed.
Claiming that there is no suspension of internet service in the bordering areas with Mizoram and Myanmar, RK Meghen claimed that deployment of large number of security personnel to check curfew violators in Imphal is also not appropriate at the moment as there is not enough security forces at sensitive areas.
He further stated that the incumbent Manipur Government is a totally collapsed Government.