The government’s unsuccessful mission to open the NH-2 and the Tiddim road is a clear indication that the demand for separate administration in Manipur has partially succeeded. Twenty-three people lost their lives when the Indian government attempted to divide Manipur’s territorial boundaries in early 2000. The Manipur Legislative Assembly was burned, and many were injured in the face of challenges to Manipur’s integrity.
Yesterday’s failure to open the NH-2 and the Tiddim road demonstrates that the Manipur government has failed. It is unable to reach the Churachandpur district or the Kangpokpi district. There is substantial evidence of the Manipur government’s inability to connect with these districts, where some pseudo Kuki politicians and armed miscreants are demanding separate administration. In short, Manipur may be divided into two or even three parts in the near future.
The worst part is that regardless of whether Manipur continues to exist or not, the future Meitei and Naga people will never forget that this division occurred during Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s tenure. The man whom we all admired for his patriotism as the editor of a renowned newspaper will be seen as a traitor by future generations for what is happening today.
The current Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, is fully aware of the root causes of this violence. No one in Manipur can deny the fact that everything he has done in his two years of government has been for the benefit of Manipur. However, his approach to protecting and developing Manipur does not align with the need for a “dictatorial government.” What is crucial for someone in an administrative position is good diplomacy. When he received information about a large section of illegal narco-terrorists, it should have been dealt with in a tactful manner to ensure the safety of the state’s people.
Today, the apprehension of a separate administration in the Kuki-dominated area is becoming evident. Even though it is known that such a demand by the Kuki is nearly impossible, those who fight for the integrity of Manipur now feel the effects of this potential separation. If the government still has authority, it is the right time to arrest the leaders of the ITKF, KISH, and the armed gangs who are inciting hatred and imposing economic blockades, as well as targeting a particular community for slaughter.
Assurances of protecting Manipur’s territorial integrity cannot deceive the people, and if the current situation continues, there may be a public uprising to reject the interference of the Indian Government in Manipur. This would signify a demand for pre-merger status.
Is Manipur segregated? Has India fulfilled the demand for separate administration of the Kuki?
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