Indigenes resolve to face challenge unitedly

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 28 : Demonstrating unity, a joint meeting of indigenous communities has resolved to collectively face the challenges and threats confronting the State.
The meeting, organised by the Federation of Haomee (FoH) at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, was attended by members of various communities viz Kabui, Meetei, Liangmai, Chiru, Purum, Moyon, Thangal, Khoibu, Tarao, Chothe, Kharam, Maram, Mao, Tangkhul, Aimol, Anal, Lamkang, Koireng, Inpui, Maring, Zeliangrong, Kom and others.
The attendees of the meeting highlighted that numerous innocent people, including children, have been mercilessly killed by individuals who came to Manipur discreetly and settled in the State.
They further noted that, in addition to launching hostile campaigns against indi- genous communities, these individuals who allegedly settled in the State illegally have begun demanding a Separate Administration.
The meeting agreed that all such threats must be collectively confronted by the indigenous communities, who share historical and cultural ties.
Claiming that the signing of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact between the Government and 'foreign-based Kuki militant groups' such as KNO and ZRA is the root cause of the many crises plaguing the State, they demanded abrogation of the controversial agreement.
They further claimed that the chairmen of both KNO/KNA and ZRO/ZRA, namely PS Haokip and Thanglianpau Guite, are Myanmar Nationals and, as such, they should be deported to their country under the provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act.
They also alleged that Thanglianpau Guite is a former Member of Parliament of Myanmar.
Following the meeting, effigies of PS Haokip and Thanglianpau Guite were burnt.
A short rally was also taken out in the area, with participants raising slogans such as “We will protect our land together” and “We have united and will not be separated again,” among others.
The meeting was graced by Kabui Union Manipur president Dr K Heera Kabui, FoH president Sapamcha Jadumani , Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi president Mathiuchunbo Ringkamai, KTVO president Mangte Haopu Kom, Chiru Tribe Union's representative Akung Chiru, Purum Rem Council general secretary Ajay Purum, Moyon Naga Union president Chinir Francis, Thangal Naga Union's representative Ambison Anth Thangal, Khoibu Inpui president Donjaisel Khoubu,  Chothe Tribe Union president Tomba Kharam, Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation president Turner Raihing, Mao Union Valley president Puni Losii, Tangkhul Naga Aze Longphang chairman Augustine Kashung, Anal Naga Union  president Monihring Anal, Aimol Naga Union president S Munthoireng Aimol, Poumai Naga Union, Imphal president Thomas Poumai, Lamkang Tribe Union president Thomas Lamkang, Koireng Tribe Union president Ngirsoreng Koireng, Inpui Naga Council chairman Merajao Inka and Chandel Naga People Organisation president Thumdok Francis Lamkang among others.