MLA Rameshwar gives clarion call to identify non-locals
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 01 2023:
Expressing concern over the influx of non-locals and enjoying benefits similar to a state native, Keirao MLA Lourembam Rameshwar has called upon MLAs, local clubs and 'Shinglups' to find out if there are any non-locals in their respective areas.
Addressing a press conference at his official residence here on Saturday morning, Rameshwar said that many non-locals have been found enjoying benefits meant for state natives.
Referring to the recent discoveries in his constituency, he said that similar situations might also exist in other constituencies and it is time for the MLAs, Leikai Shinglups and local clubs to take up initiatives for preventing such situation in their respective areas.
He said that apart from the Kuki voters found in the electoral roll of Keirao Wangkhem, five Nepaleses are also found in the electoral roll of Wangkhem and he will find out where they are staying.
A family from Uttar Pradesh is also enjoying NFSA benefits in Keirao Makting Sabal Leikai and he had informed the same to police for proper investigation.
At the same time, there is a trend of non-locals marrying local women and buying land in their names, which is later transferred in the name of the non-locals through gift deeds.
Taking serious note of such issue, the government has taken up steps to prevent such activities, he said.
The MLA said that BLO of Chanam Sandrok told him that he rejected the application for registration of some Kuki individuals staying in rented rooms of one Irengbam Thoiba in the electoral roll when they claimed they are children of Thoiba.
To his surprise, their names were found in the electoral roll when it was published later, the MLA said while referring to the BLO's statement.
Rameshwar further said that he had deleted their names from the electoral roll after he got elected.
He had also apprised the issue to the chief minister and requested him to take up appropriate action against officials involved in such acts, he added.
Regarding the allegation levelled against him by some individuals of Keirao Wangkhem, he clarified that he reported the situation in Keirao Wangkhem to the CM, who asked him to go there to pacify the public.
As told by the CM, he went there and advised the police personnel to handle the situation professionally while keeping in mind to prevent any chaos.
After that, he left the place, he said while adding that he has no involvement in the detention or arrest of any person from there.
He has learnt that Dhaballo, one of the people arrested by police on Friday, is the son of Irengbam Thoiba, who was involved in inserting names of Kuki individuals in the electoral roll of Chanam Sandrok in the past.
As for the allegation of his involvement with Arambai Tengol and arrest of Suresh, he saw a post of Arambai Tengol on their Facebook Page stating that the tussle erupted when wife of Suresh took out a gun, Rameshwar said, while denying his involvement in the incident.
He further said that there are Tangkhul, Chiru, Kabui and Maring settlement in Keirao AC and they are living peacefully with other communities.
It was unfortunate for some members of Meetei community to get involved in such activities, he said.
He also expressed concern over the involvement of some people from the constituency in illegal activities like vehicle theft and drug trafficking, while urging to refrain from such activities.