Ashang Kasar urges to aid troubled areas
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 10 2023: There is no enmity in Imphal and no one will come to cause trouble.

As such, instead of trying to fish for trouble in calm waters, it would be best to decide on how to extend support in conflict-ridden areas, Indigenous People's Forum president Ashang Kasar has stated.

A public meeting on the prevailing situation in Manipur was organised by The Joint Clubs/Organizations and Meira Paibis of Khurai Thangjam Leikai, Khurai Thoudam Leikai and Khurai Ahongei Leikai at Lainingthou Awangba Shanglen on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, Ashang Kasar said that time has come for the indigenous people of the state to wake up and understand the seriousness of the prevailing situation.

Because the indigenous people have failed to sincerely support each other, the state is in a vulnerable position.

Thus, there is the need to rectify this.

Indigenous people, despite being the true masters of the land, have failed to educate themselves and only focusing on the land.

Meanwhile, the others, despite not having a land of their own, have and are continuously working hard to take over what does not belong to them, he said.

He continued that if the elected leaders had kept aside their greed and sincerely worked for the people, the present conflict would have never happen.

However, the leaders, who are the strength of the people, are keeping mum, while the unqualified are continuing to make statements after statements.

In addition, the indigenous bureaucrats are refusing to engage in the conflict under the reason that it is beyond the purview of their duty, but are continuing to enjoy the benefits of their job.

However, the other's bureaucrats are operating under a leadership.

Thus, he urged the indigenous bureaucrats from both the hill and valley to wake up.

Meanwhile, questioning if the government is becoming aware of the illegal immigrant issue only now, Ashang remarked that the issues of illegal immigrants and poppy plantations have been going on for a long time.

In view of the present situation in the state, it is time for the indigenous communities to unite and come up with a new system, or else it would be the end for all.

Expressing his sorrow and support to all those affected by the conflict, Ashang urged for dealing with the conflict with the best of our abilities.

He continued that there are no enemies in Imphal and no one will cause trouble here.

Thus, we should extend support to the conflict-ridden areas, he said, while further urging for allowing businesses, schools and offices to operate normally as they will be a source of strength for the indigenes.

However, the indigenous people are not all perfect.

There are some even amongst the Meitei who do not know what to do during the conflict and preventing movement of vehicles belonging to other indigenous communities.

This is not conducive to the integrity of the state and could lead to misunderstanding between communities.

It is not that sit-in protests or rallies should be organised, but that it should be done in a justifiable manner.

He then urged for maintaining peace and order in Imphal, which would prevent the deployment of additional central forces in the state.

The central forces deployed in the state till date is not by PM Modi, but caused by the Meira Paibis.

Thus, we must work in careful manner, he said and appealed to all concerned against causing trouble in Imphal and to the innocent people.

"While the way we are fighting for our state may seem justified to us, the Meitei have been forced to a carry a reputation in front of the country and the entire world.

All should prevent this from getting worse.

Furthermore, we should try to live without compromising our rights and being dependent on others.

The leaders of both the hill and the valley are maintaining silence for a reason.

If this is rectified, no power in the world can create trouble for us.

Thus, the indigenous people should extend whatever they have, whether it may be land, money or intellect, and work together to build a self-sustainable Manipur," he asserted.

"However, it must also be remembered that not all Kukis are bad, " Ashang contended, while recounting a conversation with some Kukis who were born and brought up in Manipur and have expressed their love for the state.

Unfortunately, they are unable to share the sentiment due to the prevailing situation, which should be understood.

Meitei, being the majority among the 34-35 communities in the state, should take a collective decision that serves the interests of all communities.

Indigenes should not be small minded and learn to identify the real enemies, he asserted.

Presided over by MU Political Science retired Professor Konsam Ibo, the meeting was also attended by cultural activist Ningthouja Lancha; former ASP Thounaojam Brinda and MU Law Department head Dr Yumnam Premananda.

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