Working to end hatred, distrust, says Guv Uikey
Source: Chronicle News Service
CCpur/Imphal, July 29 2023:
Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Saturday said she was working to end the hatred and distrust that have strained the relationship between Meitei and Kuki communities.
Speaking to reporters after visiting a relief camp in Churachandpur district, Uikey said she has been meeting organisations representing the two communities, and seeking their cooperation to bring back peace and normalcy to the state.
"I have come here for the second time, to share the grief of my brothers and sisters.
It is nearly three months that these people are away from their homes.
A lot of people lost their homes to arson, and many lost most of their belongings.
They don't have anything left.
I came here to see that at least these people do not face any problems at the camp," she said during her visit to Churachandpur.
"I have directed the government that the basic amenities must be ensured - - from clothes to mosquito repellents.
I also got to know that there is a problem of medicines here.
They are not getting a lot of things because trucks are not reaching here.
Still, necessary arrangements are being made and help is also being extended by Mizoram," she added.
The Governor said that people, especially leaders, must rise above politics to establish peace in the ethnic strife-hit state.
Significantly, to show her deepest sympathy to the two 'sisters' whose modesty were outraged publicly by unruly mob on May 4, the Governor personally met them and handed a cheque of Rs 10 lakh each to their families.
After touching down at the 36 Assam Rifles helipad, the Governor headed to St Paul's Institute relief camp and later on to Young Learner's School, Rengkai where there are about 160/170 internally displaced people respectively.
The Governor inspected the relief centres by visiting rooms where affected people are staying, interacted with the IDPs and distributed relief materials
(hygiene kits per family, eatables to kids with some cash amount).
Governor made an appeal to the youth of Manipur not to take law in their hands and abstain from unlawful activities creating law and order situation in the State.
Interacting with the IDPs who are sheltered in the relief camps, Uikey said she was visiting the camps to console, empathise and extend her support to the affected people.
The government will provide compensation to the affected people, she said, while also assuring to do everything possible for restoration of peace and the future of the people.
The Governor also interacted with families of ex-servicemen and CSO leaders at Headquarters 27 Sector, AR located at Tuibong and heard their grievances.
Kuki Inpi, ITLF, Zomi Council Steering Committee, Zomi Mothers Association (ZMA), Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights submitted a memorandum to the Governor.
As the President of Rajya Sainik Board, Governor donated a cash of Rs 15,000 to seven ex-servicemen families along with some relief materials (blanket, jumbo box etc.).
She also handed over relief materials to the district's Red Cross Society.
Addressing an arranged press meet at 27 Sector HQ, the Governor said the whole country is ashamed of the May 4 incident of naked parading the two women.
Their fate would not be forgotten and necessary financial and moral support will be given to them, she assured.
Appealing all concerned not to resort to vigilantism, the Governor reiterated that various Central forces are in place to ensure security for all.
She appealed all concerned to extend support for restoring peace and normalcy in the state.
(With inputs from PTI) .