Know common enemy in this proxy war: Bijoy Kakchinytabam
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 17 2024: Calling the present crisis in the state as a proxy war aimed at creating ethnic conflict to demoralise the masses, All Manipur Working Journalist' Union (AM-WJU) president Bijoy Kakchingtabam has called for identifying the common enemy of the state and accordingly taking a united stand.

He made the statement during a felicitation function of media persons organised jointly by Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) and Manipur Women's Federation (MWF) at Manipur Press Club, here, on Wednesday.

Bijoy Kakchingtabam, FOCS president Thoidingjam Manihar and actor-social activist RK Kaiku attended the event as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Bijoy observed that the conflict in the state is part of the game plan of people with vested interests to hinder the people's collective desire and campaign for a vibrant and united Manipur.

In this critical juncture, people of all communities, intellectuals and different sections of the society need to take a firm and united stand against the common enemy of the state, he stressed.

Bijoy also spoke on the contribution of journalists and challenges they face in the state, especially-during crisis period.

Media in Imphal are often branded as Meetei Media.

There were times when media houses in the state were forced to shut down due to various reasons but the journalists have been always at the forefront of disseminating truthful news to the public with dedication.

In such a situation, the gesture of FOCS and MWF will act as an encouragement to the journalists, he said, while appreciating the same on behalf of AMWJU and all media fraternity.

In his address, Thoidingjam Manihar delved on the present situation in Moreh and stressed the need for a stronger public movement.

For over eight months, Kuki militants have been attacking the Meeteis and the Central government is ignoring the plight of the Meeteis.

Sharing the pain and grief of the victims of Moreh incident, he said that it is time for the CM to translate his now-familiar rhetoric "will not spare" into action.

Recalling how the CM made a remark of himself leading the fight in the frontline, he urged the chief minister to lead on the ground while adding that people of the state are ready to follow him.

He also raised strong objection against relegation of the power of leading the Unified Command from the CM to the security advisor and demanded reinstatement of Unified Command to the CM and replacing central security forces from border area with state forces.

Actor-social activist RK Kaiku hailed the role played by media in creating awareness among the people in this crisis period.

He also criticised the Central government for remaining silent over the prolonged crisis in the state.

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