"Manipuris should come together to protect State's integrity"
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 11 2023:
The Manipur Muslim Welfare Organisation (MMWO) has asserted that all the people/ communities residing in the State peacefully since time immemorial are all Manipuris and should come together to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur.
In a release, MMWO stated that those groups who do not wish to be identified as Manipuri and co-exist peacefully within the boundary of the State are welcome to leave Manipur and find their home elsewhere.
"As every citizen living in India are Indians, every citizen residing in Manipur are Manipuris.
Every Manipuri should have the freedom to settle wherever they want within the territory of Manipur irrespective of the community they belong to", it added.
The organisation also pointed out that every piece of land in the State belongs to the State Government and the public pay land tax as annual rent for the property.
"Moreh and other hill areas are within Manipur and the State Government has the authority/ responsibility to deploy State Police wherever they want to control law & order and protect its people.
Who will guard the territory of the State, if not State Police?", it asked.
MMWO also mentioned that India is a democratic country and the State Government which is formed by representatives of the people are responsible for the protection of its people and territory from forces threatening the integrity & sovereignty of the State and Nation.
Expressing anguish over the failure of the State and Central Government to end the prolonged conflict in Manipur, MMWO further urged the Government to take necessary steps to bridge the divide among the communities and lead the State towards the path of peace, prosperity & development.