Manipur violence is National security issue : Adhir Ranjan
Oppn MPs share thoughts with Uikey
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 30 2023: A delegation of 21 Opposition MPs led by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of INC called on Governor Anusuiya Uikey at the Raj Bhavan today and apprised her of the prevailing situation in Manipur.

The delegation who are on a two-day visit to Manipur landed at Imphal yesterday and visited various relief camps in Churachandpur, Bishnupur and Imphal districts where they met the violence affected people.

Briefing media persons at the Raj Bhavan gate, Deputy CLP leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that the Manipur violence is now a National issue.

Manipur violence is National security issue : Adhir Ranjan

Saying that the Manipur crisis should be deliberated threadbare in the Parliament and all should work to end the conflict, Adhir Ranjan said the ruling party ought to ensure that ample time is given for discussion of the Manipur issue in the Parliament.

On account of the protracted violence, there is distrust between the Kuki and Meitei communities.

At the same time, the violence has given a serious blow to the economic status of all sections of people whereas many essential commodities are not available at all or have become quite scarce, said the Congress MP.

Different types of medicines are now no longer available in markets while many displaced people are unable to afford medicines when family members fall sick, he said.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury while apprising the Governor of how the people in relief camps have been staying, said, people are in pain and sorrow and feeling depressed, and fear is also common in their minds.

Almost all sections of society including women, children and students are affected and it is high time to take concrete steps to end the ongoing conflict.

It is not only a problem of law and order but an ethnic conflict which needs special attention and therefore appropriate steps to end the conflict and remove hatred among the communities, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said.

The delegates submitted a memorandum to the Governor and requested to restore peace and harmony by taking all effective measures where justice should be the cornerstone.

In order to bring peace and harmony, rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected persons is most urgent, they said.

Governor Anusuiya Uikey welcomed the team on their visit to Manipur and appreciated their efforts for restoration of peace and normalcy.

The Governor informed them that she is fully aware of the problems faced by the people consequent upon her visit to different relief camps in both the hills and valley districts.

Both the Central and State Governments are making relentless efforts to contain the situation and bring peace and normalcy at the earliest possible time and security forces are also equally discharging their responsibilities to save the people, she said.

She said, to bridge the mistrust between the two communities, hatred among the communities has to be removed and therefore all stakeholders should work in this direction peacefully.

The Governor made an appeal to the delegates to extend their fullest cooperation to restore peace and tranquillity through a peaceful dialogue with the representatives of Civil Society Organisations of both the communities to maintain status quo ante of aged old tradition of peaceful co-existence.

State CLP Okram Ibobi, MPCC president K Meghachandra and MPCC Treasurer Thokchom Lokeshwor were also present when the MPs called on the Governor.