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The impact of the ethnic violence that started in Manipur in the year 2023 is still visible. Recently, MP Bimol Akoijam told to what extent the situation in the state has improved and whether normal conditions have been created yet or not. Akoijam said on Sunday that normalcy cannot be restored in Manipur if the free movement of people is stopped in the northeastern state. In fact, some groups have imposed restrictions on visiting the Thangjing hills, the holy place of the Meitei people. This is what the MP was referring to.
The MP said, Meitei cannot go to the holy places of Thangjing hills (in Churachandpur district) and Kobru (in Kangpokpi district). This is not a communal issue, but a fundamental issue. It is a matter of fundamental rights and governance of citizens.
Meitei pilgrims stopped
MP Akoijam said, until there is free movement of people and internally displaced people do not return to their homes, normalcy will not be restored in the state. Earlier, on April 14, following the advice of community elders, a large number of Meitei people were going to visit Thangjing hills in Churachandpur, but then they did not go there and returned home from Moirang in Bishnupur district, as Kuki-Jo groups protested warning against Meitei pilgrims crossing the ‘buffer zone’ area.
Due to this, the MP has now raised the point that people in Manipur are not able to go everywhere at their own will and Meitei people are banned from going to some areas. The ‘buffer zone’, heavily guarded by security forces, separates the Meitei-controlled Imphal valley and the Kuki-dominated hill districts of the troubled state.
President’s rule is imposed in Manipur
More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki groups since May 2023. MP Akoijam also expressed displeasure over not being allowed to speak in Parliament during the passing of the proclamation of President’s rule in the state. He claimed, I and Outer Manipur MP Alfred were present. But they were not allowed to speak. President’s rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13 after the then Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on February 9. The state assembly, which has a term till 2027, has been suspended.
