WMC takes Manipur case to Centre

IMPHAL, Dec 2 : The World Meetei Council (WMC) has accused the Union Government of failing to ease the crisis in Manipur, claiming that the suffering of the people has only intensified despite the State being under direct Central rule.
In a letter submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by its chairman Heigrujam Nabashyam, the WMC demanded immediate and decisive intervention to restore confidence, harmony and stability in the region.
The Council urged the Centre to ensure Indian Army deal with all communities with strict neutrality and fairness during the ongoing crisis, direct the immediate restoration and protection of all National Highways in Manipur, ensuring they remain free from blockades or disturbances and disallow and discourage any form of separatist narrative or movement from any group or faction that threatens the territorial integrity and unity of Manipur and the Nation.
 The Army and paramilitary forces are fully capable of securing these lifelines of Manipur, it said and added that these immediate steps will serve as an essential beginning toward restoring confidence, harmony and stability in the region.
The Council claimed that the present policy approach of the Government of India towards Manipur has resulted in immense and prolonged suffering for the people of the State.
For over two and a half years, unresolved issues have led to the displacement of more than 60,000 people, many of whom continue to languish in relief camps and this has unfortunately become the defining feature of the current policy framework concerning Manipur, it said.
Saying that WMC has extended its unconditional service and cooperation to help address and resolve the crisis, the Council alleged  that the prolonged inaction and lack of urgency from the Government, however, have allowed the situation to deteriorate further.
"It is well understood that when a crisis is allowed to persist, it inevitably grows in complexity and magnitude", the WMC said.
Claiming that the Finance Ministry has issued an Office Memorandum regarding a separate budgetary arrangement for the hill areas of Manipur in the midst of this humanitarian and administrative crisis, the Council maintained that this development, at such a sensitive juncture, raises deep concerns among the people.
"It appears, unfortunately, as though Manipur is being treated as a testing ground for experimental policies - reducing its people to mere subjects in a larger political laboratory," the Council said.