Manipur conflict internal issue: MLA RK Imo
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 16 2023: Maintaining that the present conflict in Manipur is purely an internal affair and that no country has the right to interfere, Sagolband MLA RK Imo Singh criticised the interference of the European Parliament in the internal affairs of India during its recent sessions and advised the European Parliament to focus on their domestic issues.

MLA Imo said: "The government of India has officially stated clearly that the conflict in Manipur is purely an internal affair, and their interference is unacceptable and shows a colonial mind-set", while adding that the European Parliament instead of discussing the Manipur issue should use their time to solve the Russia-Ukraine war or the recent riots in France.

He also suggested that if at all the European Parliament had to discuss the Manipur issue, it would have been appropriate to appeal for peace and normalcy in the region and not discuss about other matters and is sues without understanding the actual facts.

He also regretted unfortunate that the meeting discussed about religious nature of the conflict which is totally wrong.

It is more of an ethnic conflict because of the involvement of two ethnic groups in the state.

"In fact, the second phase is more of a conflict between il legal armed groups and foreign militia who are waging war against the state and central security forces.

Those discussing should be aware of the facts that there is no religious extremism in the state, with full freedom to express one's religious freedom as mandated in the Indian constitution" .

MLA Imo also stated that there are Christians as well as Muslims amongst the Meitei community and religious structures of both the communities have been destroyed during the violence.

Maintaining that the European Parliament is not well versed with the laws of the country and issues concerning Manipur, he remarked that internal security and intelligence of the state and country are at risk.

While acknowledging that the violence seems to be a politically motivated one but not for promoting Hindu hegemony, RK Imo stated that the conflict is more to do with government crackdown against illegal immigrants across the state, action against poppy cultivation and eviction from reserved forest land which affect a certain section of a community more than others but will ultimately protect all the indigenous people of the state.

He also opined that the ST issue is just a cover up by a particular section as the government has not stated its position with regard to the recommendation of the High Court.

Stating that no appeal or foreign discussion will bring peace in the state, he said that the sole responsibility of bringing peace in the state belongs to the state and central governments.

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