The World Meetei Council has reached out to Prime Minister Modi, urging him to take immediate action in resolving the ongoing ethnic crisis in Manipur. The WMC's Tripura unit president highlights the alarming statistics of over 225 lives lost and thousands left homeless in the past 15 months. The WMC leader stresses the responsibility of the Prime Minister in restoring peace and ending the shameful chapter in Manipur's history.
Ethnic Crisis in Manipur: PM Modi Urged to Intervene
The World Meetei Council (WMC) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and resolve the ongoing ethnic crisis in Manipur, a northeastern state of India. The WMC's Tripura unit president, Pradip Meetei, emphasized the alarming statistics of over 225 lives lost and thousands left homeless in the past 15 months.
Background
The ethnic crisis in Manipur has its roots in the 1990s when the Kuki and Naga communities clashed over land disputes and political representation. The conflict escalated in 2015 with the formation of the United Naga Council (UNC), which demanded the creation of a separate state for the Nagas. The UNC imposed a months-long economic blockade, leading to severe shortages of essential supplies and widespread economic distress.
Current Crisis
The ongoing crisis began in November 2021 when the Manipur government enacted the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Act, 2021. This act extended the powers of autonomous district councils in Naga-dominated areas, which was seen as an encroachment on the rights of the Meetei community.
Protests over the act turned violent, resulting in clashes between Meetei and Naga protesters. The clashes escalated into ethnic violence, with reports of attacks on homes, businesses, and individuals from both communities.
WMC's Appeal
In its appeal to PM Modi, the WMC urged the government to take immediate action to stop the violence and restore peace and normalcy in Manipur. The WMC also called for the release of political prisoners, the repeal of the controversial act, and a comprehensive settlement that addresses the grievances of all communities.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the root cause of the ethnic crisis in Manipur? A: The crisis stems from land disputes and political representation issues between the Kuki, Naga, and Meetei communities.
2. When did the current crisis start? A: The current crisis began in November 2021 with the enactment of the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Act, 2021.
3. How many lives have been lost in the crisis? A: Over 225 lives have been lost in the past 15 months.
4. What has the Indian government done to address the crisis? A: The government has deployed security forces to restore order, but the violence has continued.
5. What does the WMC want the government to do? A: The WMC wants the government to stop the violence, release political prisoners, repeal the controversial act, and find a comprehensive settlement.
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