Meghen cautions
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 30 2022:
Former rebel leader RK Meghen has deliberated on the need to take a collective stand to face the challenges posed by illegal immigrants in Manipur.
He said that all indigenous people of Manipur irrespective of their background and position must take equal responsibility to save the State from being overwhelmed by outsiders.
RK Meghen made the remark while attending the 15th foundation day of CELIN Digital as a chief guest at Manipur Press Club, today.
He continued that protecting the cultural identity of the State must be the prime duty of all the indigenous communities residing in Manipur.
"The indigenes will become a minority in their own land if the influx of illegal migrants is not checked," he said.
Further stating that there will be a severe demographic imbalance in the State if the outsiders continue to enter Manipur illegally, the former rebel leader maintained that the indigenous people will not be able to survive if such a situation arises.
Misunderstandings among the indigenous communities, if any, have to be solved through dialogue so as to bring development in the State, he maintained.
Claiming that the economy of Manipur is in a pitiful condition with the State depending on others for almost everything and lack of market for local produce, RK Meghen opined that agriculture should be the 'foundation of our economy' .
Unfortunately agriculture is one of the most neglected sectors in the State with a number of canals not able to provide water to paddy fields properly, he alleged.