Unite under one body to face all threats, says body
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 20 2023: There is an emerging need for an apex body that would represent the people in all issues in Manipur, said eleven representatives of the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Assam who are here to take stock of the present unrest.

At Manipur Press Club, Imphal, the Parishad's former president, Saikhom Kamlakanta said the Manipuris in other States feel and understand what people here are facing as a result of the present unprecedented and unfortunate conflict that started on May 3 .

The turmoil that started on May 3 has displaced thousands and affected all Manipuris.

All Manipuris in other States can also feel the pain and hardships people here are facing, he said.

Unite under one body to face all threats, says body

"Manipur, Sanaleipak is the birthplace and origin of all Manipuris.

We feel the pain of all Manipuris here and understand the present threat to Manipur's integrity," said Kamlakanta.

The present crisis has threatened the integrity of Manipur.

Issues such as the present unrest has brought to light the need for an apex body, under which all people can unite and fight as one.

The aggressors must be taught fitting lessons.

To do so, people must unite under one banner, he said.

Which organisation will lead the people in facing the crisis and whom shall the Manipuris living outside Manipur contact for providing assistance are questions that have surfaced amid the present unrest, Kamlakanta added.

"The Kukis have KIM [Kuki Inpi Manipur], Nagas have the UNC [United Naga Council], and our Parishad is considered an apex body of the Manipuris in Assam by the Assam Government.

Manipuris here should also have such an apex body," he said.

The presence of frontal organisations is good but there should also be an apex body that can unite all under one banner, he said, emphasising that all parties and individuals concerned should set aside their ego and form the much needed apex body.

"Manipur's integrity must remain intact.

The people want peace to return to Manipur and we hope that the Manipur Government, understanding the pulse of the people, will take up all appropriate measures to restore normalcy at the earliest," Kamlakanta said.

While appealing for peace, he said, National Highway- 37 and 2 must be opened and there should be no blockade.

There has been a ruling of the Supreme Court prohibiting blockade of National Highways.

As such, blocking the Highways is a challenge to the SC.

Highway Protection Force should be established to face such challenges, he said.

Identifying illegal immigrants as one of the factors that has contributed to the unrest, Kamlakanta said border fencing must be completed and all infiltrators must be stopped from crossing over to India.

He also stressed that Mizoram Government shouldn't slip its fingers into Manipur's internal affairs.

All the violence that has occurred are very unfortunate and all affected people must be given swift and adequate compensation, he said.

It may be noted that the eleven members of the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Assam reached Imphal on August 18 and they met with Manipur University Vice Chancellor and Registrar.

They also met with Professor MS Ningomba, who took part in the movement to include Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule.

They have also met with members of KKL (Kangleipak Kanba Lup) and talked about the current situation.

The Parishad members visited several vulnerable places including Top Moirangkampu, Sinamkhul, Phumlou, Kangchup Chingkhong, Wangoo Heinoujam and Tronglaobi, and met with village volunteers guarding the villages.

They provided monetary assistance to the May 3 gangrape victim, women injured in Assam Rifles' crackdown on protesters at Torbung Bangla and affected villagers.

The members also visited relief camps opened at Shyamashakhi Girls' High School at Moirangkhom and Thanga and provided relief materials.