Manipur crisis fuelled by illegal immigrants: Conrad Sangma

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 25 : Megha-laya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has said that the influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar is one of the major factors responsible for the crisis in Manipur.
Conrad Sangma is the National president of the NPP.
Addressing the media at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) at Palace Compound today, he also said that these illegal immigrants pose a serious threat to National security and the indigenous people.
Earlier in the day, Sang-ma addressed an annual convention of the NPP held at the MSFDS auditorium, during which he stated that the party would not enter into any pre-poll alliance with any political party in the upcoming Assembly elections.
The people of Manipur want a new Government, he said while appealing to the people of Manipur to support the NPP in the elections to bring about a positive political change in the State.
Stating that NPP takes the crisis in Manipur very seriously, Sangma added that the party will always work in the best interests of the people of the State.
He also said that the NPP will always uphold and protect the identity and culture of Manipur.
The crisis in Manipur could worsen if any wrong step is taken, he said and urged the people of the State to exercise utmost caution while making any decision.
Sangma, meanwhile, said the Government must rein in all groups and enforce law and order to restore normalcy in the State.
He said that Manipur's diversity should be harnessed as a strength to build a better society, rather than being viewed as a problem.
After the convention, the Meghalaya Chief Minister interacted with media persons at the mini conference room of MSFDS.
During the interaction, he said that rebuilding trust among different communities and formulating a specific economic policy for families affected by the crisis would play a crucial role in working out a lasting solution to the crisis.
Saying that the issue in Manipur is sensitive, he added that building trust among different communities is essential.
He further stated that dialogue is the only means to restore normalcy in Manipur, and for it to succeed, trust among communities is essential.
To a media query, Sangma said that the influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar is one of the major factors responsible for the crisis in Manipur.
These illegal immigrants pose a serious threat to National security and the indigenous people, he said adding that the Government needs to address the issue with utmost care.
Further saying that National security is non-negotiable, he added that the NPP would appropriately address the challenges confronting Manipur.
Sangma said that the NPP would never work against the interests of the people of the North East.
When asked whether the NPP would form a pre-poll alliance, he said that the party would decide on post-poll alliance after reviewing the mandate of the people.
He also said that the National People's Party (NPP) will work to emerge as the single largest party in the upcoming Manipur Assembly elections.
He, meanwhile, expressed optimism that the Government would complete the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) before the Assembly elections.
He assured that the NPP would never engage in any activity that could compromise the territorial integrity of Manipur.
During the programme, Sangma also felicitated several individuals, including retired IAS officer Mangsatabam Harekrishna, who joined the NPP.
Tourism Minister Kh Loken, party MLAs Th Shanti, I Nalini, M Rameshwar and Janghemlung Panmei, among others, attended the programme.