'Indigenes should come together'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 08 2023: Warning that the challenges facing the indigenous people of the land may pose a very serious existential threat in the not so distant future if they are not addressed effectively, AMUCO president Pheiroijam Nando Luwang has appealed to all the indigenous communities to set aside all their differences and face the common challenges collectively.

The AMUCO president was speaking at a Langban Heitha-Leitha ceremony organised by the Village Volunteer Service (VVS), Khundrakpam AC in honour of all the heroes who achieved martyrdom defending Manipur against Chin-Kuki aggression.

Nando Luwang stated that all the indigenous people of the land are now facing several threats, and one major threat is the issue of illegal immigrants.

If the illegal immigrants from Myanmar and other places take control of the political rights of indigenous people like in Tripura, all the indigenous communities would face a very serious existential crisis, he warned.

The territorial integrity of Tripura is still intact but the indigenous people do not have the capability to defend their territory, he said.

To avert any such situation in Manipur, all the indigenous people need to work collectively and neutralise the challenges posed by illegal immigrants, he continued.

All the issues which are there among the indigenous communities that emanate certain difference of opinions and views can be resolved over a table, Nando Luwang said and called upon all the indigenous communities to prioritise the common challenges and work collectively to overcome them.

Pointing out that Manipur is now passing through a very critical phase, Nando said that under the prevailing condition, it is undesirable for anyone to make demeaning and/or spiteful statements against Meira Paibis and all those people who have been working day and night to protect Manipur.

He appealed to everyone to think twice before making any statement against anyone else for personal grudges if his/her statement would harm the whole community.

"If our actions or activities are guided by emotions and short-term considerations, our adversaries will be only too happy to exploit the situation to their advantage.

As such, all the people need to have a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand and work accordingly", Nando Luwang said.

Appealing to all the people to avoid any situation of treachery, the AMUCO president called upon all the people to choose the right path and struggle collectively without ever losing faith in the ultimate goal.

VVS Khundrakpam AC convenor N Bobby said that the Kukis committed a very serious offence by attacking Meitei civilians for their grievances against the Government.

He maintained that the demand for replacement of the incumbent Chief Minister or imposition of President's Rule in the State under the prevailing situation sounds quite awkward and irrational.

Bobby appealed to all the people to support the steps taken up by the Centre and the State Government to drive out illegal immigrants, destroy poppy plantations and implement NRC in the State.

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