Peace talks successful in Jiribam; Kangpokpi next: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 08 2024: Chief minister N Biren has conveyed the success of peace talks between Meetei and Hmar civil society organisations (CSOs) in Jiribam district during the ongoing session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

The CM further disclosed that similar negotiations are being planned for Kangpokpi district.

During the session, opposition members K Ranjit, Th Lokeswar, K Meghachandra, and Surjakumar Okram, raised several policy cut motions while discussing the demand for grants for the police department.

The opposition criticised the state government for its perceived failures in handling the current crisis and cited issues such as government's lack of action in the early stages of the crisis, ambiguity in the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), poor command and responsibility within the police force, failure to maintain law and order, and oversight of central security forces.

The opposition also highlighted the government s failure to fully implement initiatives aimed at detecting and deporting illegal immigrants, as well as its inability to protect public lives and properties.

In response, CM Biren defended the government's actions and outlined ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis.

He emphasised that the recently formed House Committee would play a crucial role in addressing the situation and confirmed that peace negotiations between the Meetei and Hmar CSOs in Jiribam had been successful, with many Meetei families who fled returning to their homes.

However, he acknowledged that some individuals remain resistant to ending the crisis.

The CM also announced that the government is deputing Hill Areas Committee chairman MLA Dinganglung Gangmei, along with MLAs Dikho and J Kumo Sha, to Kangpokpi and Guwahati to negotiate with Kuki leaders.

He noted that while efforts to resolve the crisis are ongoing, progress has been sluggish due to the current volatile situation.

To create a more comprehensive roadmap for peace, the government plans to invite opposition members to a joint meeting, he added.

Addressing concerns related to NRC, Biren clarified that while the NRC has not been officially implemented, efforts to detect and deport illegal immigrants are being carried out under instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) .

He pointed out that if the government was acting in a communal manner, it would not have appointed a Kuki MLA as the head of the cabinet sub-committee responsible for detecting illegal immigrants.

The CM acknowledged that the ongoing crisis may have multiple underlying causes, but he noted that the High Court's ruling on the Scheduled Tribe (ST) demand for Meeteis ignited the spark.

He also addressed public concerns about the relocation of vulnerable populations, which some see as bifurcation of the population and land.

He explained that the decision to relocate people was made after careful consideration to protect their lives at that situation, and any feelings of remorse only arose after the relocations had successfully prevented further harm.

Biren responded to criticism about the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that he had recently met with the Prime Minister, home minister Amit Shah, and defence minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister instructed to initiate peace talks with Kuki leaders to resolve the crisis.

He also assured opposition members that they could seek an appointment to meet the Prime Minister, which would likely be granted.

He argued that taking a House resolution to meet the Prime Minister could diminish the dignity of the legislative assembly.

He further stated that Articles 55 or 56 of the Indian Constitution have not been implemented in the state, and the internal arrangements made in response to the crisis are normal.

He explained that the appointment of a security advisor was intended to show that, as a CM belonging to the Meetei community, he is not acting with bias.

Despite this, he continues to convene security meetings and take necessary actions to manage the crisis.

The CM also acknowledged public allegations that the Assam Rifles is taking sides with the Kuki community and said that the government has pursued the matter with the Centre, which is now taking steps to address the issue.

He emphasised that the detection of illegal immigrants was necessary to protect the indigenous population, citing a book titled "Unity Zo" by three Kuki professors, which warned that 80 per cent of the tribal population would be ousted from the state if the NRC is implemented with 1951 as the base year.

Biren also informed the House that the attack on Phougakchao Ikhai and Torbung on Thursday was halted after additional security forces were deployed to the area.

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