Concerned over influx of non-locals...UCM says amend Article 371 (C)
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 20 2017:
The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has asserted that Article 371 (C) of the Indian Constitution should be amended in order to safeguard indigenous people .
Leaders and members of different civil society organisations today paid floral tributes at Kekrupat to all the martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause of Manipur .
Speaking to media persons after paying tributes to the martyrs, UCM president Elangbam Johnson said that political leaders need not have any reservation while voicing their concern to protect Manipur and her indigenous people .
MNS leader Raj Thakeray spoke boldly and openly to safeguard the interest of Marathis in Maharastra but it is rather disheartening that political leaders of Manipur do not have the gumption to speak on behalf of the indigenous people even though they are under serious threats, Johnson remarked .
Any articulation made by local political leaders for protection of indigenous people should not be construed as anti-India or anti-National .
"Our political leaders have not been speaking a word about protection of indigenous people on the pretext that it would be unconstitutional.
This is rather unfortunate", lamented the UCM president .
In view of the critical situation being faced by the indigenous people of the State, all political leaders should initiate necessary measures and they must convince the Central leaders .
Article 371 (C) of the Indian Constitution says that the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) should be consulted but it is not acceptable any more, Johnson said.
The same article should be amended and special provisions should be incorporated.
If such an amendment is not effected, a serious conflict may arise among the different communities of Manipur.
All political leaders need to work together to avoid such an ugly situation, he said .
Pointing out that the demography of Manipur has been severely affected by incessant influx of non-local people and reminding about JCILPS' and KSA's call to all non-local candidates to withdraw from the Panchayat election scheduled on October 7, the UCM president condemned the statement made by the All Jiribam Linguistic Organisation on September 15 .
On the issue of Rohingya Muslims, Johnson said that it is not advisable to give refuge to the fleeing Rohingyas, for Manipur at the moment, is besieged by multiple challenges .
Commenting on the anti-immigration drive launched by security forces at Moreh and Jiribam, Johnson said that there is a need to open a foreigner detention centre.