Women leader Lourembam Nganbi on Saturday accused the central government of treating the people of Manipur like “slaves,” despite the state’s merger with India over seven decades ago.
Speaking during the observance of the 24th Manipur Integrity and Solidarity Day held at the Sana Janmasthan Club in Imphal West, Nganbi expressed the deep-seated frustrations of the people of Manipur to the central government.
The event was jointly organised by the Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) and the National Identity Protection Council (NIPCO).
Nganbi, who chaired the observation committee, said, “All indigenous people of Manipur would prefer one day of freedom over living under the prolonged oppression we regularly endure.”
Her speech also focused on the ongoing crisis in the state, alleging a biased approach from the central government.
Nganbi accused the central government of siding with Kuki militants, who have been involved in violent activities.
Further charging that the central government of biases in imposing law and order in the hills and the valley, she emphasised that the central government must act fairly to resolve the crisis instead of favoring one side.
Also demanding resignation of the security advisor to the state, Nganbi described the security advisor as “unfit” for the role, blaming him for the failure to restore peace and security in the region.
She urged the central government to reconsider its strategies, reminding them that Manipur remains an integral part of India. “It is the duty of the government to act against those threatening the state’s integrity and peace,” she asserted.
The programme also witnessed the presence of vice-chairman O Premjit, All Manipur Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj) president Thokchom Ramani, Tami Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup president Yambem Momon Leima and UPF advisor Leisangbam Jadumani among others.
