Manipuris become minority in Dharmanagar
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 26 2022:
Manipuris are becoming a minority community in Dharmanagar, which was once a Manipuri dominated area settled by Meeteis and Bishnupriya Manipuris, after the original residents left the area in search of better livelihood.
A team of Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple "Board (LSBT) under the auspices of chief minister N Biren is visiting and interacting with the Manipuri residents in Dharmanagar.
Konthoujam Somorendra, a resident of Rajbari, Dharmanagar told the team that Meeteis and Bishnupriya Manipuris used to live in the area since early times.
However, in 1947, king of Tripura Bir Bikram Manikyo Bahadur allowed Bengalis to settle in the area.
Taking advantage of the approval, large number of Bengalis from Bangladesh entered the area following the 1972 war.
After Tripura came under the administration of Bengalis political elites, there was significant reduction in job opportunities for the Manipuris.
In search of livelihood, several residents left the area after selling off their properties.
Consequently, around 80 per cent of the population in Dharmanagar is Bengalis now.
There are only seven localities each for Meeteis and Bishnupriyas, he continued.
Expressing concern on the evolving situation, he drew attention of the Manipur government to prevail upon the Tripura government to frame a policy for a reservation system for Manipuris in government jobs.
He also urged the Manipur government to construct a Manipuri Bhavan in the area.
LSBT member Athokpam Chinglemba said that they will apprise about condition of Manipuris in Tripura to chief minister N Biren and titular king of Manipur and Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba.
He also urged the Manipur government to consider the condition of Manipuris living in Dharmanagar and take up possible measures for their welfare and.
security.