Border fencing progressing, FMR suspended: Dr Ranjan
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 29 2023:
Information and Public Relations (IPR) minister Dr S Ranjan said that the suspension of Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar is still in effect while border fencing work along the 380 km stretch of Indo-Myanmar border is in progress.
He made the announcement during a public convention organised jointly by Khoiyum Meitei Divine and Village Volunteers' Force, Moidangpok at Moidangpok Maning Leikai community hall on Sunday.
Speaking as chief guest of the convention, minister Dr Ranjan informed that the construction of border fencing along the 380 km-long India-Myanmar border is currently underway with the objective of enhancing border security.
The Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar in the Manipur sector also remains suspended in view of the evolving unsettling situation in the state.
Referring to security challenges, Dr Ranjan highlighted the security concerns arising from the consistent involvement of illegal immigrants in illegal activities, such as poppy cultivation, establishment of new villages, and encroachment in reserved and protected forests.
He lauded Chief Minister Biren's administration for launching War on Drugs' and evicting illegal encroachments from forest areas.
The government continues to nurture the millennia-old brotherhood, despite the challenges posed.
Unfortunately, attempts are made to derail the initiatives taken up by the government and the present conflict in the state is part of that attempt.
The present crisis is not a clash between Meetei and Kuki but an aggression by divisive forces aimed at disintegrating Manipur, he said.
The minister urged the public to come together and contribute to inclusive development across various sectors and districts.
He also emphasised the need to combat drug-related issues and elaborated on security measures taken up for ensuring safe harvesting of crops and steps taken to repair NH 37 in Moidangpok and Keithelmanbi areas.
Thokchom Amumacha, the advisor of the Village Volunteers' Force Moidangpok, who presided over the event, shed light on the hardships faced by the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the state was getting some relief from the Covid pandemic, the region now is facing a new crisis, which the people of the state have been enduring for nearly six months.
He highlighted the loss of lives, injuries, disappearances, and displacement of tens of thousands of people and the adverse impact on education for students, and called for remaining vigilant and prepared.
Amumacha emphasised the responsibility of villagers in safeguarding their villages even if protecting public lives and properties is the responsibility of the government.
Village volunteers and Meira Paibi members have played a crucial role in this regard, he said and called upon everyone to ensure uninterrupted education for students while safeguarding their villages and territory of the state.
The advisor also pointed out the need for the government to organise educational camps with support from government school teachers and provide psychological counselling to students.
He further spoke on economic impact of the crisis on the state and its people, particularly the displaced families while stressing the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs and farmers in such a challenging situation.
As part of the public convention, floral tributes were paid to those who lost their lives while defending their villages and the state's territory.
A two-minute silence was also observed in honour of Laimayum Prem, who suffered injuries in an attack by Kuki narco-terrorists on June 12 and passed away on Sunday at Raj Medicity.
The convention was also attended by Moidangpok GP Pradhan Laishram Keinaton, and ward members Khangembam Basanti and Yengkhom Radha Leima as guests of honour, who further highlighted the community's challenges and responsibilities during these trying times.
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