Discontent Grows Among Meitei Community Over President's Rule in Manipur
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Synopsis
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) firmly opposes the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur. Meanwhile, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) supports the decision, highlighting the divide in the political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- COCOMI criticizes the abrupt imposition of President's Rule.
- ITLF supports the decision for political stability.
- COCOMI demands rapid restoration of a legitimate government.
- Concerns raised over the lack of an alternative leader.
- Political trust issues between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Imphal, Feb 14 (NationPress) The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), representing the Meitei community, expressed strong opposition on Friday against the declaration of President’s Rule in the state.
Conversely, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), which represents the Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur, endorsed the implementation of President's Rule in the conflict-ridden region.
On Friday, COCOMI asserted that the abrupt enforcement of President's Rule in Manipur, despite the BJP holding a clear majority, is perceived as a “deliberate ploy” by the state’s populace.
COCOMI spokesperson Laikhuram Jayenta informed the press that the coerced resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in the early hours, prior to an important state Assembly session, without adequate justification to the public, is a blatant violation of democratic values.
“The crucial question remains unaddressed. Was this action taken for the benefit of the people? What astonishes the citizens of Manipur and the entire nation even further is the realization that such a significant decision was made without having an alternative leader ready to facilitate a seamless governance transition,” Jayenta remarked.
He pointed out the inability of the Manipur BJP legislators to suggest a replacement leader, despite their majority, revealing their true motivations.
“They did not enter politics for the public’s benefit but for personal interests,” the COCOMI stated.
Jayenta emphasized that instead of permitting the democratic process to take its course through an internal election among lawmakers, they have neglected their duties.
Demanding a prompt and structured process to elect a new leader and restore a popular government swiftly, the COCOMI representative stated, “This predicament transcends leadership; it concerns the destiny of Manipur and the preservation of its democratic rights. The populace must rise against this injustice and insist on the rapid reestablishment of a legitimate government.”
On the other hand, senior tribal leader and ITLF spokesperson Ginza Vualzong remarked that President's Rule is more favorable compared to a change of Chief Minister in Manipur.
"The Kuki-Zo community no longer places trust in the Meitei, hence a new Meitei Chief Minister is not reassuring. Implementing President's Rule will offer hope to the Kuki-Zo, and we believe it will bring us closer to a political resolution,” Vualzong stated.
