Don't meddle in Manipur's affairs: Biren to Miz CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 12 2023: The government of Manipur on Tuesday observed the historic Nupee Lal in remembrance of the courage shown by Manipuri women against the British colonial rule in 1904 and 1939.Chief minister N Biren led his cabinet colleagues, MLAs, senior officials and representatives of different CSOs in offering floral tribute at the Nupee Lal Memorial Complex, here.

Later, the main function of the observance was held at the nearby GP Women's College central hall.

Addressing the gathering, CM Biren said that the government, in honour of the contribution made by the courageous mothers of Manipur, has renamed the road stretch from the traffic point near the Governor's bungalow to Pureiromba Khongnangkhong as Nupi Lan Road while keeping in view of the location of the Nupee Lal Memorial Complex.

Acknowledging that people of the state, especially the womenfolk are facing various hardships, Biren announced the launch of Chief Minister's Ima Nongthangleima Yaipha Tengbang Scheme.

Under the scheme, women above 40 years of age, who have no other means of income and are not beneficiaries of other similar schemes, will be provided financial assistance to the tune of Rs 6000 per year through monthly instalment of Rs 500.The department concerned will issue relevant guidelines for the scheme soon, he said.

Regarding the present humanitarian crisis in the state, Biren said that chief ministers of different northeast states like Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim called and enquired about the situation while offering assistance in restoring peace.

Unfortunately, the approach of Mizoram CM is different though there is no enmity between the two neighbouring states.

There are Meeteis in Mizoram and Mizos in Manipur.

Similarly, people of different northeast states are residing in one or the other NE states and the government of any state does not interfere in internal matters of another state.

For instance, whenever there are issues concerning Meeteis in Assam, he could only talk with his Assam counterpart and discuss the issue but does not interfere in their internal matters.

Even though they are Meeteis, they have become Assamese Manipuris, and he does not instigate them to revolt against the Assam government, Biren reasoned.

However, former Mizoram CM Zoramthanga interfered in the internal matters of Manipur.

It may be part of his scheme to win the state assembly election but that is not the right thing to do.

Now, Mizoram has elected a new CM and he is also meddling in the affairs of Manipur by making false statement about the deployment of state security forces and commandos to torture "his people" in Moreh.

In response to Mizoram CM Lalduhoma's statement, Biren asserted that people of Manipur are not his (Lalduhoma) people.

There may be some misunderstandings or issues among the people of Manipur but Mizoram CM has no right to meddle into the internal affairs of Manipur or on the deployment of state's security forces in Moreh.

Such interference is unconstitutional.

Instead of making such reprehensible attempts, he would like to appeal to his Mizoram counterpart to extend help in restoring peace and normalcy in the state, Biren said.

He further said that around 1900 Myanmarese refugees have entered the state recently due to the fighting between the rebel groups and Military junta in Myanmar.

The state government is providing them shelter on humanitarian ground and at the same time, biometric capturing of around 1600 refugees have been completed so far to ensure that they pose no issue to the indigenous people of the state and its social fabric.

This is a humanitarian assistance provided by the Manipur government to the people in distress, he reasoned.

Biren also hailed the courage of Manipuri women since time immemorial, and said that in the current crisis too, women are spending sleepless nights on the streets keeping vigil to prevent unwanted incidents.

Manipur is a state of around 35 communities and people need to uphold the unity in diversity for a better, stronger and united Manipur.

Even in this crisis period, there is no enmity among the common people but the situation was aggravated by some illegal immigrant militants, he said, while calling upon people of all communities to set aside their differences and stand for a united Manipur against the threats.

Biren also expressed strong disapproval of excessive conduct of some youths in this situation.

There have been some unfortunate incidents lately in the state with the latest being the assault on two Rongmei women.

Even if the current situation requires keeping vigil, they have no right to detain or harass the two girls, who also had shown their ID cards to prove their identities.

People must understand that not all the Kukis are the enemy of the state.

One should be able to identify the handful of people who are challenging the unity and integrity of the state, he said, while urging all to refrain from doing anything that might affect the unity of the state.

It is true that youth are the pillars of the society but taking the law into their hands will cause irreparable damage, he cautioned, and appealed to all concerned not to take law into their hands but to inform the nearest police stations in case they come across any anti-social elements.

Oinam MLA Irengbam Nalini presided over the observance function, which was also attended by Naoriya Pa-khanglakpa MLA Sagolsem Kebi as guest of honour.

Later, a drama re-enacting the historic Nupee Lal incident was showcased by Nupee Lal Memorial Association Drama Party.

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