Centre playing delaying tactics: Lokeswar
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 29 2023: The delaying tactics of the Centre by meeting warring communities separately instead of bringing an end to the on going violence and non-utterance of a single word about the violence by Union ministers who frequently visited the state in the past have clearly underscored indifferent attitude towards plight and suffering of the people of Manipur, said Khundrakpam MLA Th Lokeswar.

As chief guest of the oath taking ceremony of 6th batch of Village Protection Force (VPF) volunteers, who completed physical fitness and endurance training at Sinam village playground on Friday, the Congress MLA said Central government's delaying tactics vis-i-vis the violence by meeting warring communities separately instead of announcing clear-cut decision corroborates intentional negligence of the people of Manipur.

Several Union ministers visited the state at one point of time but it is quite surprising that none of them has come to the state since outbreak of the violence almost eight months back, he said.

Even though it is widely accepted that influx of Chin-Kuki-Zo illegal immigrants from neighbouring country triggered the violence, government is keeping more than 6000 Myanmarese nationals in Kamjong district, the MLA maintained and strongly condemned the decision of state and Central governments on sheltering foreign nationals in the state.

While claiming that around 550 Myanmarese have entered Kamjong on Thursday after earlier influx of around 6000, Lokeswar advised the state government to close monitor movement of all the illegally entered foreign nationals with a strict guideline or else the violence will continue instead of ending it.

It would not be a wise decision on the part of the Centre to plot divide and rule instead of issuing strong instruction to the security forces to take firm action against the community that perpetrates violence, MLA Lokeswar said adding that there would be no need for VPF volunteers to undergo training had the Kukis not waged the war in the first place.

Nevertheless, it is quite encouraging that many people came forward and underwent training to defend the state, he said.

According to MLA Lokeswar, the rumour being spread widely that Assam Rifles instigated Kukis to attack on deserted Pukhao Shantipur few days back after failure to attack the same village since May 3 needs thorough discussion.

The oath-taking ceremony was also attended by VPF advisor H Rajeshwar, Huiyen Lanpao daily editor N Dhanabir, actor RK Somorendro (Kai ku), social worker Rojit Wahengbam, VPF women wing convener Ngasepam Ibeyaima Devi and local leaders.

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