36 village leaders denounce ‘false allegations against MP Arthur’

Imphal: Headmen of 36 villages have ‘vehemently’ denounce the false allegations and misinterpretations of Lok Sabha MP Alfred Kanngam S Arthur’s recent maiden parliamentary speech by “Meitei

Leepun” and “My Manipur”.

These baseless accusations, claiming that MP Arthur “ is openly advocating for the destructive agenda of illegal immigrant Kukis in the Indian Parliament and elsewhere,”are not only unfounded but also an attempt to personalise with an ill intention. Moreover, it is undemocratic, said a statement issued by the village headmen on Wednesday.

MP Arthur has consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the development and peace of entire state of Manipur, which encompasses both Hill and Valley regions.

The claims made by “Meitei Leepun” that MP Arthur does not support the government’s efforts to protect indigenous people are blatant distortions of his actual stance, it added.

The call by “Meitei Leepun” and “My Manipur” to socially boycott MP Arthur from July 3, based on these unfounded accusations, is inflammatory and unjustified. Such statements not only misrepresent MP Arthur’s speech but also risk inciting unnecessary and unjustified harassment, it said.

In his speech, MP Arthur emphasized that Manipur has the lowest per capita income and the highest inflation in the country. He highlighted the unprecedented floods and ongoing violence that have severely impacted the state. Accordingly, he demanded an equal budget allocation for the region, asserting that it is their right. As an opposition MP, he has suggested ways to bring peace to the 15-months long conflict which include changing the CM of Manipur, it said.

“Additionally, MP Arthur also called for the inclusion of tourism development in the North East, stressing its potential to bring economic growth. How can the speech be interpreted to express love for one community while advocating hatred for the other community? Also, can it be seen to negatively impact a particular community?”

“The village leaders urged all concerned citizens to reject the false allegations made by “Meitei Leepun” and “My Manipur”. MP Alfred Kanngam S. Arthur represents state of Manipur, and any attempts to twist and misinterpret his words only serve to hinder the peace and unity we strive to achieve. We call upon the people of Manipur to be more democratic rather than facism.”

MP Alfred Kanngam S. Arthur is a sound parliamentarian from Manipur and his continuous efforts to bring about peace, development, and harmonious coexistence in the state is highly anticipated, the village leaders said.