Gorkha bodies condemn statement of SAHILCA
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 12 2022: Manipuri Gorkha Union (MGU), Manipuri Gorkha Youth's Association (MGYA), Federation of Indian Gorkha Association (FIGA) Manipur Branch, All Manipuri Mother's Association Gorkha (AMMAG), Gorkha Women's Union Manipur (GWUM) have strongly condemned the 'senseless statement' made by Sadar Hills Chiefs' Association (SAHILCA) of recognising a selected few CSOs as the only civil society organisations functioning in Kangpokpi district.

In a joint release, the Gorkha bodies decried that such immature and irrational statement made by SAHILCA has the potential to create enmity among various communities residing in the region.

With various ethnic groups residing within Manipur and specifically in Kangpokpi, it is illogical for SAHILCA, which represents only a single community, and is not representative of the multiple ethnicities residing in the district, to make such a reckless statement which will have widespread consequences for all the communities residing in the area, it noted.

The Gorkha bodies asserted that there are numerous communities residing in Kangpokpi with each of them represented by their own CSOs.

Taking a myopic view of the matter in hand with immeasurable consequences, without consulting or representation of many of these CSOs is indeed an absurd idea.

SAHILCA's resolve in fighting jointly for the welfare of the district is indeed a welcome step, however, the fight must be in tandem with the resolve of the district, with all communities participating in the process, it mentioned, while also pointing out that the resolution taken by SAHILCA and few other CSOs prohibiting land selling or giving it on lease is uncalled for and is not in the hands of CSOs to decide.

"The publicly elected government is best adjudicator for the same and only a legislative/executive resolution on the same can decide on the aforesaid matter," it said.

The bodies further emphasised that CSOs working in a region must not act as parallel government, they must rather work cohesively to aid and enhance the working of the government within the ambits of law.

All the organisations in the region should be guided by the principles of peaceful co existence and equality, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, it observed.

The Gorkha bodies also extended their full support to the government's 'War on Drugs' and announced that Gorkha inhabited areas are already free of poppy cultivation.

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