GMF for rollback of Kangpokpi, rejig of districts
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 30 2023:
While calling upon authorities concerned to consider rollback of Kangpokpi district and reorganisation of districts for restoration of peace in the state, Global Manipur Federation (GMF) has stated that if people of Manipur aspire a progressive future, then reconfiguring the districts to encompass both hills and valleys is the most sustainable approach for harmonious co-existence and collective well-being.
In a release, GFM recalled the formation of Kangpokpi district by carving out from the erstwhile Senapati district and six other districts which unfolded an erroneous execution on the part of the previous government in Manipur.
In fact, the former chief minister Ibobi's decision to announce Kangpokpi as a district in Manipur has been a contentious issue as could be comprehended from the Nagas, the United Naga Council in particular, raising strong objection against the Congress government's move while the Meiteis were not mindful of such plan, and as did not react seriously in the beginning.
Recently, indigenous communities experienced adverse impacts from the new district, as there have been concerns about the occupation of land and administrative areas aimed at controlling the population of the Meiteis and Nagas in Manipur, GFM mentioned, while pointing out that the new district has become a strategically dominant ground for carrying out violent activities against the Meiteis in the valley.
It blocked access ways for both outgoing and incoming flow.
As Kangpokpi district comes into direct contact with other districts, enclosing the south, southeast, and southwest valley, namely Churachandpur, Chandel, and Tengnoupal, it could potentially be controlled by the Chin-Kukis militants again.
They are using the advantage of their dominant area, extending throughout Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching.
They have been perpetrating various heinous crimes, including killings and arson, on the Meiteis, the release alleged.
It is believed that the resources utilised in violent activities, including arms and ammunition, are transported there, and criminals move in the areas without disturbances from government authorities, GFM speculated and explained that at the moment, the entire valley area, largely inhabited by Meitei community is surrounded by a hostile population of Chin-Kuki disturbing the relationship and disconnecting transport and communication between the two indigenous peoples of Nagas and Meiteis.
Considering the ground reality, there is need for reorganisation of district boundaries and reshaping of administrative maps, as this could mitigate the illegal activities of an absolute community or violent groups in Manipur.
It would be truly beneficial to establish a power balance that considers legitimate control to effectively govern the administration, GFM observed and further added that the exclusive retention of district boundaries based on hills and valleys poses a real danger to the progressive future of Manipur.
An exclusive attitude and actions that favour only a particular ethnic group for regressive advantages have proven to be more adverse than providing broader and inclusive benefits in a tiny state.
Also, people living in the hills, for example, near Ningthoukhong, experience a great deal of inconvenience in commuting to deputy commissioner's offices in either Churachandpur or Kangpokpi for related work, the release added.