Call raised for alternative administrative arrangement for minority Rongmei communities of Kangpokpi, Churachandpur districts
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, August 05 2024: Rongmei Naga Luphon Taiphalong General Secretary Grace Kamei has alleged that 'The minority Rongmei Nagas are deprived of benefits of various welfare schemes of the Central and State Government' .

She further alleged, 'Rongmei Nagas do not have free access to Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts and they are subjected to entry fee/tax of Rs 100 per individual just like foreigners to enter these two districts' .

In view of the above inconveniences faced by the minority Rongmei Nagas, Grace Kamei demanded an alternative arrangement for administrative conveniences for minority Naga communities of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts to Noney district.

She was speaking at the sidelines of protest demonstration staged today at Chinikon Crossing along NH 37 Tongjei Maril against the deprivation of Rongmei Nagas of benefits of various Government welfare schemes such as NFSA (National Food Security Act), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), PMJAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana), other health and education schemes.

It may be noted similar protests were held at Keithelmanbi and Loktak Project by blocking roads.

The protests were organized by Foothills Taiphai Longren under the aegis of Rongmei Naga Council.

Further Grace Kamei also expressed discontentment that the Government has failed to address the plights of the Rongmei Nagas despite submitting a memorandum on two occasions, one on December 23, 2023 and June 15 this year to the Chief Minister apprising him of the issues faced by them.

The protestors used placards which read.

'Respect People's sentiment', 'We want equal treatment for all communities', 'We demand alternative arrangement for administrative conveniences for minority communities of Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts to Noney district' etc and similar slogans were also chanted.

It may be noted that medical, electricity, water supply, education and other emergency services were relaxed in today's protest.

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