Biden urged to address Manipur issues at G20 summit
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 11 2023:
In an open letter addressed to US President Joe Biden, Meitei diaspora and supporters have called for attention to critical humanitarian and environmental concerns in Manipur.
The letter extended a warm welcome to President Biden on his visit to India for the G20 summit and highlighted the significance of the strong ties between the United States and India.
The letter dated September 9 underscored the importance of global cooperation and diplomacy in today's evolving world and urged President Biden to use his platform at the G20 summit to address pressing issues affecting Manipur, particularly those along the Indo-Myanmar border.
One of the primary concerns raised in the letter is the extensive cultivation of opium (poppy) in the region, which not only fuels ongoing conflicts but also has severe ecological consequences.
Large-scale poppy plantations leads to deforestation, soil erosion and causes harm to vital ecosystems.
Moreover, the release of stored carbon dioxide from deforested areas contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating global climate change.
The alteration of local weather patterns and disruption of rainfall cycles directly impact communities, increasing their vulnerability to extreme weather events and food insecurity, the letter said.
It also stated that environmental activists in the region have been sounding the alarm, emphasising the urgent need for rehabilitation efforts to mitigate the damage Caused by poppy cultivation.
The letter also mentions the issue of illegal infiltration across borders, particularly the significant influx of refugees from Myanmar into India due to political unrest and economic hardship.
Unchecked infiltration poses multifaceted challenges, including potential power struggles, threats to national security, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.
The diaspora implored President Biden to advocate for addressing this issue to foster international cooperation in protecting the rights and safety of asylum-seekers while safeguarding the security of host nations.
Another pressing concern highlighted in the letter is drug proliferation and cross-border trafficking of narcotics, particularly in the north eastern region of India.
This unchecked flow of narcotics poses a significant threat to both India's national security and global efforts to Combat drug-related crime.
The porous Indo-Myanmar border has become a hotspot for drug trafficking activities, with militant groups exploiting the region's vulnerabilities.
The letter calls on President Biden to shed light on this issue at the G20 summit to contribute to international cooperation in curbing drug trafficking, protecting communities from the devastating impact of drugs, and bolstering global security.
In conclusion, the Meitei diaspora and supporters see President Biden's leadership on the global stage as crucial in addressing these complex and interrelated issues.
They hope that by bringing these matters to the forefront of discussions at the G20 summit, meaningful change can be driven, fostering a safer, more secure, and environmentally sustainable future for all.
"Your commitment to these pressing concerns will undoubtedly strengthen the bonds between our two nations and help build a better world," the letter added.