Crisis due to self-serving politics, ST demand: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 08 2025: "Politics is a serious matter that determines the fate and tone of our country.

It should not serve self-interests.

However, engaging in politics without regard for the nation and its people has led Manipur to its current situation," claimed chief minister N Biren Singh.

Recalling the violence that started on May 3, 2023, the CM also contended that cause of the conflict was the demand for ST status by the Meitei/Meetei.

"Everybody has been criticising the state government as if we had made a mistake," he rued while speaking at the distribution function of labour cards and monetary assistance under the 'Special Scheme for Providing Financial Assistance for Education of Children of Labour Card Holders staying at Relief Camps', organised by Manipur Building and under Construction Workers Welfare Board at the Durbar Hall of CM Secretariat on Wednesday.

Crisis due to self-serving politics, ST demand: CM

In his address, CM Biren asserted that the state government is working for the development of the society and that the present government is one of the few governments which stands for the people.

Biren continued that the state government would continue to stand for the indigenous people and the future generations.

He called for all those who lack the courage to defend the land and its people, and who do not hesitate to sell off their sisters and daughters, to refrain from engaging in politics.

He continued that it would be best for those worrying about the shortage of vote bank or fearing their seats may be robbed or basically fearing any form of criticism, but unable to speak and stand by the truth, to stay away from politics.

"Politics is not a game," he remarked, while stating that the current situation is Manipur is caused by self-serving politics.

CM Biren also termed the ongoing ethnic violence in the state as "very unfortunate" and asserted that his government is not at fault since it all started after the Meetei/Meitei demanded Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

"The reality is that the Manipur High Court had asked the state government to reply to the demand for ST status by the Meiteis.

Opposing it, a rally was held, and houses belonging to Meiteis were attacked.

That's how the conflict began".

On March 27, 2023, Manipur High Court Acting Chief Justice MV Muralidaran had ordered the state government to submit recommendations to the central government to "consider inclusion of the Meetei/Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list" .

This was strongly opposed by the tribal bodies of the state and on May 3, a rally was taken out by All Tribal Students' Union Manipur in the hill districts.

The rally turned violent after a mob from Churachandpur district stormed a locality and engaged in vandalism and arson.

The CM claimed that many have been playing politics over the issue.

"However, it is the state government that has been working to meet all the needs of those in the relief camps, including their education, daily provisions, health, and others...We are witnessing a human crisis, and no politics should be played," he said.

"The mindset needs to change.

There is a conflict going on, and many have been killed and displaced.

Now is not the time to seek popularity on social media and TV discussions.

Let the genuine subject experts and security forces speak on the conflict," Biren remarked.

Alleging that indulging in narrow politics and committing mistakes by "previous leaders" have caused the hardships, the CM said, "We need to take risks and sacrifices to save the land and society.

Politics is not for winning elections only" .

The relationship between police and people improved after the BJP government came to power, the chief minister said, claiming that earlier, everyone had a fear psychosis towards police.

During the programme, the chief minister and other dignitaries distributed benefits to labour card holders under the special scheme for providing financial assistance for the education of children of labour cardholders staying in relief camps.

During the function, the CM distributed financial aids worth Rs 2,89,55,000 for students of IDPs, as well as maternity benefits, medical reimbursement and pension schemes in cash or via DBT.

Biren remarked that earlier, people were unaware of the benefits of the Labour Department but are now increasingly becoming aware of the various benefits provided by the Department including instilling an entrepreneurial spirit amongst the people.

He appreciated the Labour minister and chairperson for maldng the benefits accessible for the public.

Informing that around 5225 IDPs would be receiving Rs 5000 each via DBT as part of the second phase of disbursement by the Labour Department, he informed that another 80 IDPs would be recovering Rs 10,000 each.

He continued that for Manipur to develop, all households must have a source of income and able to save money.

The function was also attended by Works minister Govindas Konthoujam, Forest minister Th Biswajit, CAF&PD minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, Education minister Th Basanta Kumar, MLAs and Manipur Building and under Construction Workers Welfare Board chairperson T Saratkumar, deputy labour commissioner Tanushree Naorem and other officials of the department along with IDPs.

Meanwhile, an a post on X, Biren said, "This scheme supports displaced families by ensuring uninterrupted education for their children through financial aid, maternity benefits, medical reimbursement, pension schemes, and more.

A total of Rs 2,89,55,000 was disbursed via DBT and cash payments today.

Our Government is committed to providing undeterred access to education for all children in the state including the ones residing at relief camps" .

(With inputs from Agencies) .