Rationality behind rollback of Kangpokpi Dist and re-organisation of districts
- Bangkok, 29 November 2023 :: Global Manipur Federation -

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The formation of Kangpokpi District by separating from the erstwhile Senapati District has unfolded an erroneous execution on the part of the previous government in Manipur. Kangpokpi was declared a full-fledged district, bifurcating more than half of the area from the 3271 sq km Senapati district on 8 December 2016. Six other districts were also created on the same day, including Tengnoupal and Pherzawl.

In fact, the former Chief Minister, Ibobi's decision to announce Kangpokpi as a district in Manipur has been a contentious issue. The Nagas and the United Naga Council stood against the Congress government's move. The Meiteis were not mindful of such plan, and thus they did not respond seriously in the beginning. Recently, indigenous communities have experienced adverse impacts from the new district, as there have been concerns about the occupation of land and administrative areas aimed at controlling the population of the Meiteis and Nagas in Manipur.

First, over the past few months, the new district has become a strategically dominant ground for carrying out violent activities against the Meiteis in the valley. The 1,698 sq km land area, encompassing over fifty percent of the valley, has blocked access ways for both outgoing and incoming flow.

Now, Kangpokpi district comes into direct contact with other districts, enclosing the south, southeast, and southwest valley, namely Churachandpur, Chandel, and Tengnoupal, which could potentially be controlled by the Chin-Kukis militants again. They are using the advantage of their dominant area, extending throughout Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching. They have been perpetrating various heinous crimes, including killings and arson, against the Meiteis.

It is believed that the resources utilised in violent activities, including arms and ammunition, are transported there, and criminals move in the areas without disturbances from government authorities. Thus, at the moment, the entire valley area, largely inhabited by the Meitei community, is surrounded by a hostile ethnic population of the Chin-Kukis disturbing the relationship and disconnecting transport and communication between the two indigenous peoples of the Nagas and Meiteis.

Secondly, considering the present reality, there is a demand for the reorganisation of district boundaries and a reshaping of administrative maps, as this could mitigate the illegal activities of an absolute community or violent groups in Manipur. It would be truly beneficial to establish a power balance that considers legitimate control to effectively govern the administration. The exclusive retention of district boundaries based on hills and valleys poses a real danger to the progressive future of Manipur.

An exclusive attitude and actions that favour only a particular ethnic group for regressive advantages have proven to be more adverse than providing broader and inclusive benefits in such a tiny state. Also, people living in the hills, for example, near Ningthoukhong, experience a great deal of inconvenience in commuting to deputy offices in either Churachandpur or Kangpokpi for related work.

Therefore, the rollback of Kangpokpi district and the reorganisation of districts are crucial and urgent. Certainly, if the people of Manipur aspire to a progressive future, reconfiguring the districts to encompass both hills and valleys is the most sustainable approach for harmonious co-existence and collective well-being for all.

Media Team, Global Manipur Federation, (Representing Asia, Africa, America, Australia, Europe, Middle East and New Zealand)