Centre accused of prolonging conflict in state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 28 2023: Pabung Iboyaima Memorial Trust observed the 7th death anniversary of Thounaojam Iboyaima, also known as the Father of Social Worker', on the theme 'Farmers impacted due to the present crisis' at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai community hall, here, on Saturday.

Speaking at the commemorative programme, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) president Nando Luwang observed that apathetic attitude of the central government regarding the conflict raging for almost six-month is a prime example of compelling a community dependent.

Speaking as one of the presidium members, Nando recounted Iboyaima's contributions to Manipur not as a long-time president of AMUCO but also towards preservation of the state's integrity and farmers' welfare.

He continued that any threat to Manipur's integrity greatly impacts farmers, physically and mentally.

However, this is being blatantly ignored by the central government just like the overall conflict which has been on-going for almost six months now.

If the government so desires, the conflict could have been resolved much earlier.

The delaying tactic in doing so is a clear sign of attempts to make the community to become dependent, he remarked.

The AMUCO president suggested taking care of mental stress on the farmers by the present crisis instead of just distributing some meagre sum of money in the guise of compensation.

He then urged both the central and state governments to encourage the farmers and respect the sentiments of the people regarding preservation of the state's integrity and unity, as strongly advocated by the late Iboyaima himself.

In his speech, Irabot Foundation Manipur president and Trust convenor Kh Gopen observed that the conflict has caused losses of around Rs 300 crore in agriculture and allied sectors, while experts estimate the losses to be around Rs 1000 crore, as per a report.

Pabung Iboyaima worked for self-sustainability in terms of food and others.

His prediction has come true in the sense that Manipur has become more dependent on others for its needs.

Thus, there is the need for the central government to dispatch a survey team for estimating the losses suffered by the farmers due to the conflict and prepare a package suitable for the same.

In case of failing to do so, Manipur would not only become more dependent but would completely lose the very little bit of independence it currently possess, he added.

The observance was also attended by All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organisation (AMESCO) president L Ibotombi, COHR chairman Phulindro Konsam, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (PLMPAM) president Soraisam Memcha, All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA) president Y Kunjarani, National Research Centre (NRC) Manipur president Th Ajit, and others as presiding members.

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