GUWAHATI: The World Metei Council (WMC) lashed out at the Manipur government and the Central government for failing to address the ongoing ethnic clashes in Manipur effectively.
Addressing the media in Guwahati on Tuesday, WMC chairman Nabashyam Heigrujam urged the government- both at the Centre and the state- to take a decisive approach to tackle the escalating crisis.
WMC presented a three-point agenda to resolve the conflict between the Kukis and Meiteis and emphasised the urgent need for strategic measures to bring about a lasting solution.
They emphasised the importance of recognising and preserving the unique cultural identity and rights of the Meetei people within the framework of the constitution.
"There is an urgent need for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur," the WMC chairman said, expressing the desire for a swift and thorough verification process to accurately determine citizenship, ensuring that the demographic composition of Manipur is accurately reflected and that the rights of genuine citizens are safeguarded.
The WMC chairman also highlighted the issue of protecting the Meeteis from the atrocities and injustices perpetrated by immigrants in Manipur.
"The Meitei community can stay anywhere in Assam, but in Manipur, 90 per cent of Meiteis are homeless," said WMC national spokesperson Nabakishore Singha Yumnam.
"We are living like refugees in our state," he added.
It may be mentioned here that tribal members organised a solidarity march on May 3 to protest the Meiteis' demand for Scheduled Tribe status, which sparked clashes.
The violence that had simmered for over a week claimed the lives of 73 individuals.
Properties worth crores were torched, and thousands were forced to leave their homes to seek safety in government-organised camps.
Tensions over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land led to a series of smaller disturbances before the clashes.
Although Meities comprise 64 per cent of the state's population, they occupy only 10 per cent of its territory because non-tribals are prohibited from purchasing land in designated hill areas.
Their inclusion in the ST category will allow them to purchase land in the hills, a prospect that has enraged the tribals.
The Kukis allege that the state's BJP government, led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, has been systematically targeting them, intending to expel them from the forests and their homes in the hills. They have also claimed that the war on drugs was a cover for eviction.
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