Resolve flare ups: UPF to Govt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 10 2020: United Peoples' Front (UPF), Manipur has called on the State Government to resolve the situation arising between communities residing in and around Leimakhong Chingmang area while there is still time.

The flare-ups in the last few days following an altercation between youngsters of Leimakhong Chingmang and a neighbouring village, if not defused timely, could tunr uglier and take on a bigger form, said UPF in a statement.

The issue is most certainly linked with land demarcation and if the Government does not settle the issue from the root and try only to suppress the situation by using force, similar incidents are likely to occur repeatedly in the future, it said.

Considering the sensitivity of the issue, the State Government should devise a proper settlement plan so that the sentiments of the two sides are respected and the issue does not aggravate, it said.

Land disputes are very common and there are proper and legal ways to settle the issue, said UPF while adding that the communities in both the hills and valley have witnessed collateral damage due to lack of timely settlement and misunderstandings between communities.

Truth always prevails, it remarked and said that politics should have no bearing over these issues.

People are well aware of the history of communities residing in Leimakhong area and as such the Government should not decide anything hastily based on the account of only one community, it said.

CSOs can play a significant role and they should think of right and peaceful approaches towards settling an issue rather than blindly jumping into the issue and lending unconditional support without any study on the matter, it continued.

The CSOs should take a proactive role in facilitating two sides in any conflict to get on the same table and help settle the issue amicably, it said.

While saying similar issues will occur whenever there is erroneous district demarcation exercise, UPF urged the State to carefully conduct the demarcation process so that misunderstanding and disputes are averted.

Moreover, issues get more sensitive when it comes to vandalising sites considered sacred by a particular community and thus all communities should be very careful and ensure that such things never occur, it said while demanding the State Government to take up appropriate actions against those involved in the blasphemous activity carried out recently at a sacred site at Leimakhong Chingmang.

While appealing to all communities to remain calm and not to indulge in anything communal, UPF also urged all sections of the society to be very careful about rumours and to be wary of those with divisive ploys.

Blockade, counter blockade will only fuel the divide and affect all, it continued while reiterating the need for the right approach from the Government's side to ensure a lasting solution.

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