PAPPM urges Governor to tackle divisive forces
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 18 2025: People's Alliance for Peace and Progress, Manipur (PAPPM) has urged Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to take swift action against divisive political forces threatening peace and stability in the state, and to issue firm directives to authorities concerned to counteract political agendas having potential to disrupt social harmony.

In a memorandum, PAPPM ex pressed deep concern over the ongoing unrest in the state and sought the Governor's intervention to ensure peace, security, and the well-being for all communities.

"The prevailing unrest is deeply rooted in political agendas that do not align with the collective aspirations of the indigenous people," it said, citing objection raised and occurrence of violent resistance in the past to the demand for implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system.

The Alliance also recounted the attack during a peace rally in Moreh in support of ILP in 2015, which resulted in the destruction of numerous Meetei-owned shops and houses, calling it clear instance of the conflict between Kuki political interests and overall welfare of the indigenous communities of Manipur.

Reaffirming the Meetei community's commitment to peaceful coexistence with all communities in Manipur, PAPPM stressed the need to urgently address critical issues such as illegal immigration, rampant poppy cultivation, drug smuggling, and the destruction of reserved and protected forests.

"The unchecked proliferation of these issues harms both the state and the nation," cautioned the Alliance, while denouncing any political agenda that seeks to shield or promote any activities, which pose threat to Manipur's integrity.

Stating its stance, PAPPM also categorically pointed out that its opposition is directed at Kuki political strategies that threaten the state's integrity, not the community itself.

The memorandum referenced the broad-based support for the recent statement by Thadou representatives, who endorsed initiatives for identifying illegal immigrants, eradicating poppy cultivation, and preserving reserved forests while noting that these responsible positions could ensure unity without political interference.

The organisation acknowledged the efforts of the government led by former chief minister N Biren in establishing peace and development by countering disruptive political influences.

It, however, maintained that elements of Kuki politics have played a pivotal role in instigating the unfortunate violence that continues to plague Manipur, and stressed that addressing these factors is crucial for ensuring long-term stability in the state.

PAPPM also contended that Kuki politics receives indirect support from external entities, including agencies of the Government of India and warned that if such influences are not curtailed, peace in Manipur will remain elusive.

The Alliance then urged the Governor to take immediate and decisive action to isolate disruptive political elements that seek to divide the state, while also calling for stringent measures to tackle illegal immigration through a transparent mechanism, strict enforcement against poppy cultivation and drug trafficking, and the protection of reserved and protected forests from encroachment.

Additionally, it sought clear policy directives to counteract political agendas that disrupt social harmony.

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