Time for judicious use of essential items: RK Meghen
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 18 2023:
There is need for the Meitei community to take action not only to protect itself but live proudly while also considering the other indigenous communities of Manipur.
As the lifeline of the state is eing blockaded due to the prevailing conflict, people need to cultivate the habit of rationing essential items and using only the daily requirement.
Thus, local clubs, organisations, Meira Paibi and CSOs need to look into this matter, former chairman of a proscribed outfit Rk Meghen has stated.
On Tuesday, Kakching Khunou artist Mayanglambam Thoithoiba resented Rk Meghen and Apun-a Khoiron Malem Lup president Waikhom Amuchao each with portraits, painted by him (Thoithoiba), under the banner of 'Athouba singgi Khonggul Leeba'.
Thoithoiba has been painting portraits of prominent persons and presenting them to the persons themselves.
Speaking to newspersons on the sidelines of the handing over.func tion held at Sagolbana Bijoy Gov-inda, Rk Meghen said that history is witness to the huge role play by the Meitei community in establish ing Manipur, as it is known today.
If the Meitei had been selfish, this feat would not have been possible.
The Meitei community plays an important role in joint development of the different indigenous com munities of Manipur.
However, it must be remembered that while self-protection and preservation is important for the Meitei, living in harmony and consideration of others is equally important.
Once this principle is drilled into action, all the other communities will also take the decision for harmonious co-existence, he stated.
The former rebel leader continued that merely calling out for preservation of Manipur's integrity in the valley is not enough.
There is a need to understand how out brethren in the hills and at the borders are far ing.
If we extend helping hand, our brethren will also respond positively.
As such, it is up to the Meitei to save Manipur and strengthen unity.
It is uncertain wh?n the prevailing Violence in the state will come to an end.
Amid this, the failure to reopen the national highway, which is the lifeline of the state, has severely affected the economy.
On top of this, erratic rainfall is also hindering agricultural activities in the state, not to mention of the frequent attacks by armed Kukis on farmers in the peripheral areas.
In this regard, farmers and agricultural scientists need to work together to produce high yielding crops or else, the state will surely fact; famine.
The people also need to cultivate the habit of rationing the essential items required daily, the former rebel leader.
He then said that the incident at Nambol on Monday has somewhat revealed an understanding of the central government's stand on the matter.
People need to be careful as the situation Has become extremely unpredictable, with chances of incidents happening at any given instance.
The public must also carefully assess the identity of anyone and not act on impulse so as to prevent incidents like the unfortunate and condemnable killing of Maring lady, Lucy in the future.
If the identity of an individual cannot be ascertained, he/she should be handed over to nearest club, organisation or police station.
The trend of mob violence without proper verification is detrimental to the state and the relationship between the different indigenous communities.
Thus, the people, GSOs and Meira Paibi must strongly condemn the killing of Lucy Marem, Meghen stressed.