'Raise demands to Govt, but don't target Meiteis'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 24 2024: Thangjam Ningtamba Meitei, assistant secretary of HRD of the Pambei led UNLF, has asserted that while the Kuki people have the right to raise a legitimate demand to the Government but engaging in anti-Meetei activities is wrong.

He made the statement during the observance of UN Day organised by World Human Rights Protection Organisation, Manipur State at Manipur Press Club today.

Speaking as the chief guest, Ningtamba continued that instances of rich people suppressing the poor and violation of human rights are still happening all over the world even though global leaders are advocating for protection of human rights and equitable development.

'Raise demands to Govt, but don't target Meiteis'

He said that Kuki miscreants attacking innocent Meitei people on May 3, 2023 by burning their houses and chasing them out from their villages was a gross violation of human rights.

Kuki people assaulting innocent Meitei people to raise their demand of separate administration or homeland is unjustifiable, Ningtamba added.

Stating that Kuki people also have the right to raise a demand for their welfare, he added that Kuki engaging in anti-Meitei activities, however, is wrong.

Urging the Government to work for the welfare of the people of Manipur, Ningtamba added that every person has the right to live with dignity.

President of Universal Mothers' Organisation (UMO) Moirangthem Sorojini, on the other hand, said that strong intervention of the United Nations is required to protect the rights of the people of Manipur.

Federation of Civil Society Organizations (FOCS), Manipur president Thoidingjam Manihar said that Manipur existed as a sovereign kingdom for centuries before merging with India.

Saying that every Manipur should stand together to stop the external force which want to destroy the unity and integrity of Manipur, he added that illegal immigrants have now demanded establishment of Kukiland covering 71 per cent of the geographical areas of Manipur.

Manihar said that people should first identify those who are backing these illegal immigrants.

Further stating that the Government of India should sincerely intervene to resolve the crisis in Manipur, he added that the people of Manipur may demand restoration of pre-merger status if the Centre continues to act like they don't care about Manipur.

People should discard the idea that Manipur cannot survive without India, Manihar said and added that a collective effort is needed to improve the socio-economic status of Manipur.

Yelhoumee Kanba Lup president Angom Loken, Indigenous People of Manipur president Kh Chandramani, Meitei Pangal Council Manipur president Haji Arafat and Advocate Araba also attended the programme among others.