PM urged to help CM Biren transform Manipur
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 04 2022:
People's Initiative for Progress (PIP), Manipur submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged him to extend every possible help and support to the present government headed by N Biren in bringing about a healthy and transformative change in Manipur.
The PIP memorandum signed jointly by chairman Namjaigai Panmei and general secretary Ch Joy said that Manipur is a pluralistic society with diverse cultures and ethnicities.
It is not an easy state to govern with the identity formation by more than 33 communities and tribes harping on exclusivity, integration and dominance which often leads to conflict situation.
Before the BJP-led government came to power in 2017, Manipur had been in the grip of insurgency, ethnic strife and frequent shutdowns that completely derailed normal life and livelihoods.
Widespread corruption, nepotism, misgovernance by an apathetic bureaucracy controlled by corrupt politicians and lack of development created an artificial divide amongst the people.
However, Manipur is now free from fear, strife and a deep sense of foreboding that used to hang heavy over the state.
Fast-paced development, an end to insurgency and rampant extortions of the past, and good governance have fired hopes and dreams among the people for progress and prosperity.
After restoring peace and normalcy in the state, Manipur government has now taken steps for taking the fight against drugs to a logical conclusion with the massive support of the people.
An all-out effort is being made to wean away the farmers from poppy plantation.
Responding to the initiative of 'War on Drugs' campaign initiated by the N Biren led government, various tribes and their apex bodies have come out openly to support the fight against the poppy plantation and drug trafficking.
According to the memorandum, Manipur has witnessed massive deforestation for poppy cultivation and related activities.
Massive deforestation has resulted in increase in the rate of siltation, frequent occurrence of landslides and scarcity of water on a massive scale.
The crucial situation has compelled the present government to take up strong measures to protect and preserve the reserved and protected forests of Manipur.
However, some section of the people considers this genuine effort of the government as a discriminatory move against some particular section of people.
A group of people led by one Dr Mark T Haokip, the self-styled president of the People's Democratic Republic of Kukiland, has undertaken a vicious campaign against the present government.
Their vicious campaign has produced many misguided youths who even planned to eliminate the chief minister who calls for appropriate immediate actions to nip this vicious campaign in the bud.
The growth of such militant organisations seeking an independent country separated from India is a result of unchecked infiltration of foreigners from Myanmar through the porous international boundary.
It is now clear that Dr Mark T Haokip is responsible for bringing many foreigners into Manipur from Myanmar with the sole aim of creating an independent Kukiland.
In the event of the failure of present initiatives taken by the chief minister due to opposition from some sections who have ulterior motives, the people of the state as a whole will become the victim, the memorandum said and maintained that a strong and dedicated leader is required for overcoming this crucial situation to serve the interest of the whole people of the state and the nation.
It then urged the Prime Minister to extend every possible help and support to N Biren Singh led government in bringing about a healthy and transformative change in the state.