Concerning, says DMCC on Chidambaram's post
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 22 2024: While condemning the controversial post of former Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on X (formerly Twitter) which advocated regional autonomy for Manipur's different communities within the State, the Delhi Meetei Co-ordinating Committee (DMCC) has urged the Congress leaders across the country to mount pressure on the Centre to resolve the crisis in Manipur.

In a now deleted post, Chidambaram had stated that deploying 5000 more CAPF personnel "is not the answer" and called for the removal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, describing him as the crisis's catalyst.

He also wrote that the Meitei, the Kuki-Zo and the Naga can live together in one State only if they have genuine regional autonomy.

Notably, the post was deleted shortly after it was uploaded and the State unit of Congress had written to the party chief Mallikarjun Kharge to take disciplinary action against Chidambaram.

DMCC, in a statement, said that they agree deploying 5,000 security personnel will not resolve the conflict, however, suggesting regional autonomy for various ethnic groups in Manipur as a solution to the State's crisis is deeply concerning.

The post of Chidambaram indicates that peaceful coexistence under the current governance framework is not feasible, DMCC said and added that such a statement is highly insensitive, especially during these tumultuous times in Manipur.

Saying that the Meitei community, particularly its youth, have made significant sacrifices to defend and protect the territorial integrity of Manipur and foster peaceful coexistence among all communities, DMCC added that the controversial statement of Chidambaram may incite more violence.

It would be acceptable if the Government of India and the Government of Manipur aim to promote balanced development across the State, including the central valley, and implement policies to empower the current Autonomous Councils, DMCC said and added that increasing financial resources and support for these existing systems would also be a positive move.

Currently, it has been reported that the Government of Manipur has sanctioned nearly Rs 150 crore in the past year to the Autonomous Councils with the Central Government also providing approximately Rs 150 crore during the same period, DMCC added.

Saying that DMCC won't object if the Central Government decides to allocate additional funds, whether it's 2,000 or 3,000 crore rupees, DMCC added that they however will oppose any policy that fosters division or promotes divisive agendas based on ethnicity or religion.

Appealing to all elected MLAs of the Congress party in Manipur to take responsibility for sensitizing the Manipur issue among the Central leadership of Congress, DMCC added that Congress, as the principal opposition party and a formidable political force across the Country�whether in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, or any other State� has the power to take meaningful action.

"Yes, we acknowledge what they (Congress leaders) have been doing in Parliament, but we want more.

While we recognize the efforts they have been making in Parliament, we believe more decisive action is needed," DMCC concluded.

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