Be peacemaker : Saha to Tangkhul folks
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, July 30 2024:
The Tangkhul community has traditional bonds with both the Meiteis and the Kukis.
It should take the lead to end the prolonged conflict and restore normalcy and peace in Manipur, said Justice UB Saha, Chairperson of the Manipur Human Rights Commission on his maiden visit to Ukhrul.
The MHRC Chairperson was talking to District Level Officers and Tangkhul leaders at the Deputy Commissioner's office complex at Hamleikhong when he made the statement.
Justice UB Saha and his entourage were given a warm reception by Deputy Commissioner Kengoo Zuringla.
Talking to DLOs and the leaders of several Tangkhul civil society organisations, Justice UB Saha said he came to Ukhrul to hear the voices and plight of the people and enquire whether the residents are enjoying their rights and getting all the basic amenities.
On the crisis in Manipur, Justice UB Saha said the Naga community has stayed neutral in the present conflict, and as such, it can play an important role in resolving the issue.
The Nagas in general and the Tangkhuls in particular must take a pro-active role in reconciling the two conflicting parties, he said.
The Tangkhul community has a traditional bond with the Meiteis and the Kukis and it has access to both conflicting parties.
The Tangkhul community may bring the communities in conflict to the negotiating table and bridge the gap of misunderstanding.
The crisis can be resolved only through peaceful dialogues, he added.
For dialogues to take place, Justice UB Saha said the Tangkhul leaders, as their responsibility, should approach the elites of the Meiteis and the Kukis.
Manipur cannot progress or develop unless there is peace, he said.
Manipur has huge tourism potential.
Making it a tourism hotspot of the country can generate substantial income and bring development, he added.
During the interaction, Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL) president, Thingreiphy Lungharwo informed Justice UB Saha about the law and order situation in the district.
She told the MHRC Chairperson that the imposition of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Ukhrul is a problem that has affected the wellbeing of the citizens.
Ukhrul is peaceful, yet, AFSPA has been imposed in the district affecting the mental and overall well being of the people, she said.
She expressed dismay that the Assam Rifles have set up many check posts in the border villages inconveniencing the locals.
She alleged that landmines have been planted in the interior border areas endangering the lives of the poor villagers of the region.
Thingreiphy Lungharwo further informed Justice UB Saha that scrapping the Free Movement Regime (FMR) in the Tangkhul border areas will invite sharp responses from the people.
There are many Tangkhul villages inside the Myanmar territory, she said.
The Tangkhul leaders also informed the MHRC Chairperson about several other issues concerning the Right to Education, health care, water scarcity problem and other basic rights.
Taking cognisance of the complaints, the MHRC Chairperson said he would take action and send recommendations to the State Government for addressing the issues.
The meeting was attended by ADM Ukhrul and Jessami, SDOs and members of the Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long, Hunphun Shanao Long and All Hunphun Tang Association.
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