Rich tributes paid to Ima Kombi on 22nd death anniv

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 1: Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur observed the 22nd death anniversary of Ima Kombi at Lamphel Sana Keithel today.
Meira Paibi members and leaders paid floral tribute at the memorial site at the market (Sana Keithel) and observed a 2-minute silence to show respect to the departed.
Poirei Leimarol president Soraisam Memcha and Meira Paibi Welfare Association Kangleipak president R Rengsongak Koireng, among others Meira Paibi, leaders attended the observance.
At the observance, Sorai-sam Memcha said Ima Kombi made significant contributions toward the development of the Manipuri society.
As a Meira Paibi leader, Ima Kombi led mass movements against the imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur. She worked with dedication to bring about unity, and led movements to protect the rights of the people and safeguard the State's integrity, Memcha said.
Memcha also commented on the present situation in the State, and said that the Central Government has failed to restore complete normalcy and peace.
She accused the Central Government of prolonging the conflict and fomenting enmity between communities.
Even when President's Rule has been imposed, the Centre hasn't taken up any concrete measures that could end the protracted conflict, she said.
The people of the valley are still unable to travel freely and safely on the highways since May 3, 2023. Farmers are unable to tend to their fields in the fringes of the valley. These are concrete evidence of the Centre's failure and inability to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy, Memcha said.
She claimed the Centre lacks the will to resolve the conflict or form a stable Government in Manipur.
"They [Centre] invited civil society organisations to Delhi and held talks, but it didn't resolve the conflict. MLAs too were called to Delhi, but they were not allowed to form a Government," Memcha said.
For Delhi to act responsibly and hear the plight of the people's suffering in Manipur, "we must continue to raise our voices," she said.
Delhi shouldn't act or behave like a coloniser who has no genuine interest for the welfare of the people. It must take decisive actions to address the cause of the conflict, abrogate Suspension of Operations (SoO) and remove Any Kuki Tribe from the list of Schedule Tribes, Memcha said.
Most importantly, people here must never again elect leaders who can't act without Delhi's permission. Such leaders must also not contest any elections, Memcha said.