Indigenes must unite to save Manipur: Ashang Kasar
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 22 2023: Forum for Restoration of Peace in Manipur convenor Ashang Kasar has stated that Manipur is for the indigenous population and as such, all indigenes must work together to save the state.

He made the statement in a discussion meeting organised by Young Progressive Club, Takyel Kolom Leikai on the theme of 'Eikhoi Mikap Thoklashi' in line with demands of 'No separate administration, Save Manipur-Save India, Implement NRC in Manipur', at Takyel community hall on Saturday.

Ashang continued that even if 10 MLAs have left, there is still 50 MLAs who should unite and work together to save Manipur.

Political parties also need to keep aside their political interests and differences and work together.

Ruling and opposition should focus on saving Manipur.

Time has come for political parties, the 50 MLAs and the indigenous communities to hold a joint meeting to discuss the best steps in this regard.

Any MLA or political party not attending the meeting could be considered to have zero interest in saving the state, he contended.

He further said that there is a need to abandon any thoughts of segregation amid such a serious situation in the state.

Manipur is a land inhabited by the indigenous communities who have been living in harmony since time immemorial.

Thus, the indigenous should work together to save Manipur, he asserted, while urging against making the violence a conflict of everyone's private interests.

This could lead to people turning against each other, which should be avoided.

In such a case, Meira Paibis should take the bigger role of controlling the situation and preventing it from spiralling.

If everyone unites and work together, we would be able to save Manipur successively, Ashang contended.

All Manipur Meitei Defence Committee of India president S Kula remarked that Manipur is in serious turmoil.

There is a need to identify how the conflict was caused and is being continued on under the leadership of which organisation or body, he added.

Stating that Meitei is a community who will not tolerate any disrespect; he said that Meitei is now only defending itself and has yet to fight.

If Meitei were to fight, it would be difficult for all to live.

The on-going conflict not only concerns the Meitei but the future of Manipur itself.

Thus, all indigenous communities need to unite and defend to protect the state, he asserted.

The meeting was also attended by experts, academicians, social activists and various others.

Comment