MCM memo to PM seeks Pre-1991 status in Moreh
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 07 2024: The Meetei Council Moreh (MCM) submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging for restoration of Moreh town to its pre-1991 multicultural status.

The memorandum highlighted historical, cultural, and social aspects, and emphasised the need for resettlement, rehabilitation, and the prevention of further demographic changes in the region.

In the memorandum, the MCM provided an in-depth understanding of Moreh's historical composition.

Originally established by a diverse group including Meeteis, Tangkhuls, Tamils, Punjabis, and Meitei Pangals, the town experienced demographic shifts with the later influx of Kukis, some of whom were considered illegal immigrants from Myanmar.

The post-1991 period witnessed ethnic cleansing, orchestrated by Kuki militants and their supporters, resulting in the displacement of several communities.

The Council strongly advocated for the resettlement and rehabilitation of individuals compelled to leave Moreh, emphasising their rightful place in the town.

Pending such measures, the MCM asserted that no Kuki family, including those currently residing in Moreh, should be permitted to continue their stay.

The Council's primary focus is on restoring a harmonious and inclusive coexistence among the diverse communities that constitute the rich heritage of Moreh, it mentioned.

In substantiation of its proposals and demands, the Council presented historical records, and origin and significance of Moreh in Manipur's history.

It pointed out that the road from Pallel to Moreh, constructed during the 2nd World War, played a pivotal role, with Meeteis being among the first settlers.

Historical ties, including Kabaw Valley's inclusion in the Manipur kingdom, highlight the town's cultural and geographical importance, mentioned the memorandum and recounted that after independence, Moreh became an officially sanctioned border post, as documented in the 1888 Gazetteer of Manipur.

The town, once a multicultural trading hub, experienced a shift in demographics after 1992 due to the influx of Kukis, leading to ethnic clashes and forced displacements.

The memorandum dwelt on significant events, such as the National League for Democracy (NLD) victory in Myanmar in 1990, triggering a mass migration of Kuki tribes to Manipur.

The ethnic clashes between Naga and Kuki in 1992 resulted in violence and forced displacement.

More recently, the Tribal Solidarity March in May 2023 reignited tensions, leading to attacks on various communities and their expulsion from Moreh.

The MCM sought the Prime Minister's intervention to ensure the restoration of Moreh to its pre-1991 multicultural status and urged the.

PM to issue directives to authorities concerned for the return and rehabilitation of those driven out since 1991, as well as the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants.

In the absence of proper return and rehabilitation measures, MCM suggested that no Kuki should be allowed to settle in Moreh, in order to preserve the town's historical fabric.

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