Activist junks rumours of Meeteis grabbing hill areas
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 05 2024:
Social activist and Forum for Restoration of Peace convenor Ashang Kashar has dismissed as unfounded and meritless alleged propaganda by the tribal groups that the Meeteis will grab/occupy lands in the hills once they (Meeteis) are included in the Scheduled Tribes list of the Indian Constitution.
Speaking during the Meitei-Pangal Socio-Eco-nomic Submit - 2024 organised by Tomthin Group and Euro to Asia Outsourcing Private Limited (ETAO) at Manipur Press Club, here, on Sunday, Ashang noted that certain tribal individuals have been disseminating misinformation, alleging that the Meeteis' demand for inclusion in the ST list for constitutional protection is merely a ploy to acquire all the land in the hills.
Maintaining that such assertions or assumptions are devoid of truth, he pointed out that even if pleaded the Meeteis will not opt to reside in the hills.
While expressing that such unfounded propaganda often creates misunderstanding among different communities, Ashang emphasised courageously advocating what is just and oppose what is unjust, rather than succumbing to tempting offer by politicians and opportunists.
Stating that Manipur is facing a dire situation, the social activist Kashar pointed out that apart from the hardships caused by the nearly two years of COVID pandemic, the state is now under another serious crisis which is not only affecting the economy but also creating deep concerns about well-being of future generations.
Therefore, it is time we redirect our focus on developing the state rather than pursuing parochial objectives.
He also appealed to the Meitei-Pangal community, comprising over 3 lakh population, not to stay silent or perceive themselves as a minority but to unite and collaborate as an indigenous community for the holistic progress and development of Manipur.
In his address, Manipur University professor Chinglen Maisnam said that similar to the situation across the nation, the Muslim community in Manipur faces significant backwardness as considerable section of the community resides un dgr, Ihe poverty line, which unfortunately leads many to engage in the drug trade.
Thus, our focus should be on alleviating poverty, which stands as human's biggest enemy.
He further urged the Meitei-Pangal community to encourage more of its members to pursue higher education at the university level.
The function was also attended by social scientist Dr Dhanabir Laishram, Forum for Restoration of Peace co-convenor Islam Makak-cha, social activist advocate Ravi Khan and Euro to Asia Outsourcing chairman Md Sultan Ak.
Social activists and entrepreneurs present at the event were also honoured by presenting mementos.