Imphal: A large crowd gathered at Ima Panthoibi Laibung in Pangantabi today for the Yelhoumee Singgi Meepham, a public meeting organized by a coalition of local groups. Participants included the Western Valley Area, Western Chandel Foothill Tribal Organisation, SDSC, SEMDO, SWYC, YOP, Meira Paibi Pangantabi, All Manipur Meira Paibi Kakching District, Native People’s Committee Manipur, and JFD.
The assembly focused on critical regional concerns, specifically the updation of the National Register of Citizens before the upcoming Census and the withdrawal of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki armed groups. Attendees also discussed the proposed removal of Assam Rifles from the state and strategies to bolster the local economy.
Jeetendra Ningomba, Convenor of the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation, accused the government of shielding militants while targeting those advocating for indigenous unity. During his address, he emphasized the shared heritage of the region, noting, "The valley belongs not only to the Meitei community but to all indigenous communities residing in the region."
Ningomba warned that external elements are actively sowing discord to undermine the unity of local groups. The participants echoed a strong demand for the state to identify and remove outsiders before conducting any new Census to prevent future socio-political instability.
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