CSOs bat for inclusive development, peace
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, April 10 2017: In a significant step towards building relationships among various ethnic communities of the State by bridging the communication gap and accommodating one another, civil society organizations of Imphal and Kangpokpi CSOs held a joint meeting today at Kangpokpi district headquarters.

The CSOs meet held at Hotel LNC was attended by representatives of UCM, AMUCO, CCSK, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills (Kangpokpi) District and its constituent units, JAC Sadar Hills, former leaders of Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee and other CSOs including KWU, KSO with local bodies KTC, KWWO and KYU.

Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship Chairman Rev J Lunkim and local Church leaders also attended the meet.

CSOs bat for inclusive development, peace

JAC Sadar Hills Convener, Nehthang at the outset appreciated the role of the Imphal based civil bodies in the creation of seven new districts including Kangpokpi for public convenience more particularly for the people of the remote areas of the hill districts in availing maximum benefits of the Government.

He pointed out that civil society organizations have a very important role, though acknowledged deficiently, in bridging the Hill-Valley communication gap and misunderstanding and in bringing sustainable solution to every issue and durable peaceful co-existence among the ethnic communities of the State.

Remarkably, the JAC Sadar Hills Convener while vocalizing the role of CSOs in respect of administration noted that the new BJP led coalition Government in Manipur had begun initiating various plans and strategies for transparent changes which the CSOs of Manipur irrespective of Hill and Valley need to acknowledge.

He however questioned some of the initiatives of the Government and citing the setting up of the anti-corruption cell as an example, questioned whether it can or will be in a position to take any action against the Chief Minister on corruption charges.

Can the MCS officer and MPS officer pull up the Chief Secretary on charges of corruption, he asked and added that this is where the role of the CSOs become important in plugging the loopholes of the Government.

UCM president Elangbam Johnson asserted that there are misunderstandings on many issues among different ethnic communities due to which inclusive and collective development could not take shape in the society till now and time has come to eradicate such misunderstanding with the humble but sincere initiative of civil society organizations of both the valley and hills.

He also said that CSOs must give priority and emphasize as to how the people can avail Government benefits at the maximum and felicitate peace and cordial relationship while putting in sincere efforts to eradicate misunderstanding between the people of the valley and hills.

Johnson also assured to stand and move along with any civil bodies working in the larger interest of inclusive development and collective growth while conveying his commitment to render cooperation to such organizations.

Stressing on the problems faced by the people in every issue in the State and responsibility of all leaders of civil society organizations, AMUCO president called for consultation, sharing ideas and views, accommodating others' sentiments and unceasing commitment to erase the misunderstanding.

CCSK general secretary, Jitendra Ningomba stressed on collective struggle and efforts of all section of the people irrespective of community affiliation and added that nothing can "overpower us if we faithfully, unitedly and collectively work together in the larger interest of the State as a whole" .

Kuki Inpi and CSOs Kangpokpi presented a traditional shawl which the Kukis call 'Saipikhup' to all the Imphal based CSO leaders as a symbol of love and respect and to mark the beginning of collective efforts and inclusive growth.

A grant feast marked the meet.