FOH calls for brotherly treatment to indigenous communities
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 02 2023:
In view of the prevailing circumstances and several pertinent issues plaguing the State, the Federation of Haomee (FOH) has urged people to practice fraternal attitude towards the twenty four indigenous communities while also highlighting that these communities also follow the age old custom/rules of 'Yek-Salai' .
A statement issued by Sapamcha Jadumani, president, FOH, has listed the twenty-four indigenous groups, which are, Anal, Aimol, Chiru, Chothe, Inpui, Kom, Kabui, Kharam, Khoibu, Koireng, Lainmei, Lamkang, Maram, Mao, Moyon, Monsang, Maring, Purum, Paomei, Rongmei, Tangkhul, Thangal, Tarou, and Zeme.
Saying that the Indian Government must bear responsibility for the ongoing crisis, FOH added that the influx of illegal immigrants would not have been possible if the Indian Government had deployed adequate border security.
Referring to the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement signed in 2008, FOH claimed that it also included many foreign based Kuki militants.
What has been building since then has now borne fruition in the form of attacks on the indigenous population, FOH added.
FOH also accused the Union Home Minister of being aware of all these issues but squarely placing the blame of the the crisis on ST status demand by the Meeteis while ignoring the demand for NRC implementation and sidelining the 'foreigner' issue.
Further, FOH alleged Amit Shah of turning a blind eye to the "endeavour of Kuki militants to build a 'drug kingdom' and leaving Imphal" .
If the Indian Government wants to bring about a long-term resolution to the conflict, it must first treat all the States under the Union of India equally, FOH said.
Raising a pertinent question, it asked if the Central Government would have remained mum for so long if either Pakistan or China had carried out the attacks/clashes in another State of India.
FOH also stated that it is time for the indigenous communities to take the responsibility of safeguarding Manipur and present a united front in the face of threats to the territorial integrity of Manipur.
It is time to further strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between the various indigenous communities of the State, FOH categorically asserted.