MLA decries use of force against IDPs

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 24 : Condemning the use of force by police against internally displaced persons, MLA Th Lokeshwar has expressed solidarity with the IDPs and termed their "homeward movement" a right call.
The President Rule administration is organising Manipur Sangai Festival indicating peace has been restored in the State. If there is indeed peace in the State, it is only natural for the internally displaced persons to return to their original homes and villages, Lokeshwar said.
The MLA's reaction came after police cracked down on IDP protesters who were returning to their original homes at Dolaithabi, Ikou Yengkhuman and Leitanpokpi today.
Speaking to reporters at his official residence at Babupara, the Khundrakpam AC MLA said he supports the IDPs in their protest.
The MLA said he condemns the firing of a tear gas shell inside the campus of the Community Health Centre at Sagolmang.
The tear gas shell was fired knowing that it was a community health centre. An inquiry must be initiated and the police officer responsible must be punished as per the law, he said.
He termed the use of force against IDPs "very unfortunate".
The IDPs launched the stir because the PR administration ignored their plight and grievances, Lokeshwar said.
The internally displaced persons and civil society organisations had been calling on the PR administration to cancel the Sangai Festival.
They had urged the Governor to organise the festival once the IDPs are allowed to return to their original homes and peace is restored, Lokeshwar said.
Instead of hearing the IDPs and addressing their grievances, the PR administration went ahead with its plan to organise the festival, inviting trouble.
The PR administration under the Governor has spent crores of rupees on the Sangai Festival while the money could have been used to rehabilitate IDPs, he said.
While the PR administration is spending crores on the festival, the IDPs are suffering at relief camps on all fronts, he added.
"How long can the IDPs sustain on just a mere aid of Rs 84 a day ?" It is impractical for the IDPs to survive on a meagre aid and send their children to schools, Lokeshwar said.
On rehabilitation of IDPs, Lokeshwar said, former Chief Secretary PK Singh had assured that the IDPs from other places excluding those from Moreh and Churachandpur would be resettled in their original homes by December 2025.
The present administration should keep this promise and allow the IDPs from both the communities to return to their original homes and villages, Lokeshwar said.