Zomi body disapproves Govt roadmap for peace
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 23 2024: Expressing profound dismay over the recently highlighted roadmap for peace by the government, the Zomi Council said government's measures like border fencing and ad dressing so-called 'illegal immigrants' rather than expediting political dialogues would prolong the ongoing conflict.

According to a statement of Zomi Council, the deep divide separating the Meeteis and the 'tribal' people of Manipur is well known, with roots extending back to the pre-independence era.

The demands and aspirations of the Zo people have always been constitutional and legitimate.

The ongoing conflict stems from decades of frustration, suffering, institutional discrimination, and unmet political solutions.

To attribute the current unrest solely to 'illegal immigrants' is to ignore the long-standing grievances and denied constitutional rights of the Zo citizens of India, it elaborated.

The statement further said that the Zomi Council had clearly articulated its legitimate demands to the government.

From the positions presented by both the Meeteis and the tribals in various discussion forums - whether on TV debates, social media platforms, or interviews, it is evident that the division between these groups is irreparable.

Instead of adopting proactive measures to find a political solution, the government seems to continue relying on outdated divide-and-rule strategies, further splitting communities by categorizing 'good underground groups' and 'bad underground groups' .

If the government wishes to create more divisions within the society, it undoubtedly has the means to do so.

However, this approach will not lead to peace or resolve the current crisis, the statement added.

While urging the Prime Minister and Union home minister to focus on finding a political solution to the conflict, the Zomi Council said that the organisation stands prepared to collaborate with the government in the pursuit of justice and peace and to support the strengthening of Indian national interests in these strategically important borderlands.

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