Imphal: The so-called solidarity rally staged against the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Meitei community on May 3, 2023, triggered the present crisis (Meitei-Kuki conflict), said chief minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday.
“Today, the hardships we face are not insurmountable. The current challenges should be understood in the context of the Meitei community’s demand for inclusion in the ST list submitted to the Centre. This demand may or may not be granted. The May 3 rally staged against this demand burned houses of innocent Meitei and attacked them,” said Biren.
On May 3, 2023 Kuki bodies marched the rally in Churachandpur districts. Men in arms were seen amid the agitating crowd. Some innocent Meitei people were reportedly killed in the rally that continued with violence.
There may be multiple agendas behind the crisis, the chief minister said.
The chief minister made these remarks during the 191st death anniversary observation of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, held at the Samadhi of the Maharaj in Langthabal, Imphal West district.
“We are alive today because of the sacrifices of our forefathers. It is important for people to know and remember these sacrifices,” Biren said.
Biren announced the construction of a fully computerized museum worth around Rs 40 crore. The museum will showcase Manipur’s history, benefiting both present and future generations.
Addressing on ministry of Home Affairs’ decision to allow border entry at the gates sealed on March 9, 2020, Biren said it as a good beginning.
“Earlier, no one cared about who was entering or leaving. I believe the ministry has at least regulated the situation. I appeal to the Assam Rifles and other security agencies to take more care and use sophisticated technology to prevent leaks in handling infiltration and illegal immigration,” he said.
According to official sources, 60 Myanmar nationals were granted passes at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Moreh for entry into India since Wednesday. Myanmarese individuals wishing to enter India through the Indo-Myanmar Friendship Gate No. 1 or Gate No. 2 can obtain border passes from security points at Gate No. 2.
The passes, valid for six days, can be renewed at the respective security posts at the ICP and Gate No. 2. Strict restrictions remain in place for the movement of people from both countries across the porous border, except at designated gates.
The Indo-Myanmar Friendship Gate has been temporarily closed since March 9, 2020, following the COVID-19 outbreak and remained shut after the military coup in Myanmar in 2021.
+ There are no comments
Add yours