CSO leaders urge indigenes to unite, protect state
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 05 2025:
UniLed Committee Manipur (UCM) president YK Dhiren has called for the unity of all the indigenous communities to collectively safeguard Manipur's integrity and face challenges.
Speaking in a public meeting at Wabagai Lamkhai community hall on Sunday, organised as part of the 191st National Reconsolidation Month campaign by United People's Front (UPF), Manipur, Dhiren cautioned that disunity among the natives could lead to the state's downfall.
Drawing parallels to the seven years' devastation in Manipur's history, he noted that during that period, the Awa (Burmese) loyalists received benefits, while those resisting faced severe consequences.
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He emphasised that the current scenario mirrors those troubling times, with some leaders according importance to personal wellbeing over public welfare, further jeopardising the unity of the people.
While alleging that the government of India has been inciting enmity among the indigenous communities, Dhiren stressed the need for the natives to counter such diabolic policy and uphold integrity of Manipur.
Reflecting on the ongoing crisis, which is bearing the two-year mark, the UCM president criticised the government for targeting village volunteers defending their the land instead of tackling Kuki narco-terrorists.
He also expressed concern over the re-imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), stating that it could mark the return of highhandedness of security forces in the state.
UPF president Nongthombam Rupachandra, CADA president Hijam Priyokumar, Wabagai Lamkhai Lairembi Club secretary Th Prem-chand, Wabagai Apunba Nupi Lup president Y Mangi, and Women's Development Association, Wabagai president Yumnam Purnimasi, who also attended the meeting, called for unity and vigilance.
They urged the public to remain alert and work together to ensure the protection of the state's social fabric and territorial integrity.