MNYO calls for new TA & H minister
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 08 2024:
While maintaining that the incumbent Tribal Affairs and Hills (TA & H) minister Letpao Haokip could not station at his office thereby affecting implementation of schemes of the department and depriving rights of the tribal people, Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) has demanded appointment of a new TA & H minister.
Minister Letpao currently holds TA & H and horticulture portfolios but is unable to attend office for more than one year now due to the ongoing conflict that broke out on May 3, 2023.Addressing media persons in this regard at Manipur Press Club, here, on Wednesday, MNYO president Thotreingam Keitanang expressed that as minister Letpao Haokip is unable to effectively look after or execute activities of TA & H department for more than one year now, the Central and state governments must look into the matter seriously and appoint a new minister in the interest of whole tribal population of the state and mitigate suffering of the tribals.
Pointing out that MNYO had already submitted a memorandum in this regard to chief minister, Thotreingam termed as very unfortunate for the entire tribal community of Manipur that TA & H minister Letpao Haokip could not station at his office due to the ethnic conflict lingering for over a year.
Kukis alone do not represent "entire tribal community of Manipur as Nagas are also a major tribal community, he maintained and appealed to both central and state governments to appoint a new TA & H minister in the general interest of entire tribal community.
While making it clear that the demand being raised by MNYO is not against any political party or a particular community, Thotreingam pointed out that many schemes of the department are on the verge of becoming defunct due to the absence of minister concerned.
He also said that the organisation will discuss further course of action if the government fails to replace the incumbent TA & H minister.
The press conference was also attended MNYO vice president Momo Tantanga, general secretary Poudin Raimei and finance secretary Banchui Khumba.