Efforts on to restore peace and normalcy, says Governor
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, November 03 2023:
Maheswar Thounaojam, who is the national secretary of RPI (A), along with a party member, met Governor Anusuiya Uikey and discussed the current situation in the state on Friday.
During his meeting, the young politician expressed concerns over the ongoing conflict and the suffering of the people.
Referring to the recent killing of a police officer in Moreh, he attributed the current situation to external aggression involving foreign terrorists, which has also been acknowledged by the Central leaders.
He also recalled numerous instances of Kuki militants under Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement violating ground rules, as is evident from SoO cadres found missing in their designated camp in Moreh.
Maheswar emphasised the need for concrete steps to end the conflict and clarified that his appeal was not against the entire Kuki community but against infiltrators and narco-terrorists.
Maheswar also raised the issue of poppy cultivation, which he considered a significant threat to people in the state.
Additionally, he brought up the disturbing incident of the kidnapping and killing of two students.
The Governor assured him that efforts were underway to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
Both Central and state governments are collaborating with intelligence agencies in devising plans, and security measures are already in place to prevent further incidents.
She stressed the importance of removing hatred between the two communities and rebuilding trust, encouraging all parties to come forward for discussions.
In a separate meeting, representatives of the Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union, led by S Gourakishwor and five others, requested the Governor for her support in ensuring granting of Scheduled Tribe status to the Meetei (Meitei) community.
They submitted a detailed report outlining the reasons for the request, saying that the community is lagging behind in various aspects and the importance of ST status for their protection.
The community has been demanding this status for a decade, but it has not been granted yet, the MTU delegation said.
The Governor explained that the process of granting ST status is lengthy and that the Scheduled Tribe Commission and the ministry concerned at the Centre would carefully consider all relevant parameters.
She encouraged the team to approach the ST Commission for the necessary procedures.
In a different meeting, three members of All Manipur Health Services Doctor's Association, Manipur, met the Governor at Raj Bhavan and presented a memorandum outlining their demands.
They advocated raising the superannuation age of doctors in the state from 62 to 65 years, providing non-practising allowance to doctors, amending service rules, and improving service conditions.
They mentioned that they had made several requests to the Chief Minister and other authorities, but no visible action has been taken so far.
The Governor assured the doctors of her support and conveyed her intention of discussing their grievances with the Chief Minister to address them promptly.
Finally, five members of Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board, Imphal also met the Governor in the evening and extended an invitation to visit the temple.
They invited the Governor to participate in a cultural workshop to be organised in collaboration with Manipur University of Culture, scheduled for November 11 to 26 .
The Governor graciously accepted their invitation and also hon oured the temple board members by presenting them with shawls and mementos.