Manipur already in knee deep crisis, says Lokeshwar
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 28 2023:
Khundrakpam AC MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar has questioned the Government over Myanmar Nationals being given refuge at Kamjong district.
Why is the Government giving shelter to illegal immigrants from Myanmar in Kamjong when the State is already knee deep in crisis involving illegal immigrants ? he asked.
The MLA raised the question when he was attending an oath taking ceremony held for the 6th Unit of the Village Protection Force at Sinam village today.
Speaking at the ceremony as chief guest, MLA Th Lokeshwar said the Central Government has not yet taken any steps to end the nearly 8-month-old crisis.
Union Ministers who had visited Manipur frequently previously have not visited the State after May 3, he added, accusing the Centre of neglecting Manipur and prolonging the conflict by employing its "divide and rule policy" .
He asserted that the Centre is telling Meiteis one thing and another to Kukis.
"The State Government, which is saying that the present conflict is a result of illegal immigration, is providing refuge to the same illegal immigrants," Lokeshwar said.
More than 6,000 Kukis have entered Manipur and they are taking refuge at Kamjong, he added.
Encouraging the volunteers, Lokeshwar said Meiteis have not acted against any other community.
The community has never said Manipur should be for Meiteis only.
It has never acted against other communities.
Meiteis have been playing major roles in protecting Manipur as a State, Lokeshwar said.
Hueiyen Lanpao Chief Editor Maibam Dhanbir, AIR Imphal's former announcer KK Wahengbam, Village Protection Force Women Wing convenor Ngasepam Ibeyaima Devi, renowned film actor RK Somendro alias Kaiku attended the ceremony.