FOCS to observe May 3 as "Black Day in Manipur's history"
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 24 2024: Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) Manipur, after consulting with the people, will be observing May 3 as ' Manipurgi Puwarida Amamba Numit (Black Day in Manipur's history)" from this year onwards.

In a press meet held at Manipur Women Federation (MWF) office at Kakwa Boroi Makhong on Wednesday, FOCS president Th Manihar said that the Meetei community, which is the backbone of Manipur with over 2000 years of history, are reduced to being refugees in their own land under the onslaught of Chin-Kuki-Zo groups from Myanmar.

The situation is a stark description of the saying, "The monkey chases away the farmer (Lou Mapu Yong-na Tanba)" .

The illegal immigrants with help of external powers are trying to completely seize the state's economy, society and governance, he remarked.

Manihar continued that in a desperate attempt to destroy the very Idea of Manipur", as part of its nefarious plan, Chin-Kuki-Zo groups are spreading lies that Meeteis, upon getting ST status, will grab all the benefits of the tribals.

They then organised a protest rally while misleading the other indigenous communities, and ultimately, sparking the conflict.

Their attempt to entrap other indigenous communities can be proven by ITLF's swift demand for "Separate Administration" on May 12, the president maintained.

Further pointing out that attempts were made to dilute presence of state administration in Chin-Kuki areas in the hill districts as could be comprehended by torching offices of the DC and the SP in Churachandpur, he questioned rationale for the central government not taking any action on the arson cases, with exception of announcing an investigation.

Manihar then said that the around 200 people have lost lives during the conflict, over 60,000 displaced and mahy women sexually assaulted.

While the union external affairs and home ministries have acknowledged the conflict as external aggression, the union government is unable to resolve the conflict for almost a year to the wonder of many, he Commented.

Questioning if normalcy would ever be restored in Manipur in the face of such an unprecedented conflict, he contended that the people are deeply suspicious of the union government deliberately prolonging the violence.

Thus, to strengthen the unity and to recognise the "true enemies" of the state, FOCS will be consulting with the people to observe May 3 as "Black Day in Manipur's history" from this year onwards, Manihar reiterated.

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