Nine civil bodies of Manipur on Friday demanded the state authorities to replace the Tribal Affairs and Hills Minister Letpao Haokip as his absence has halted development of all tribal related policies and matters in the state
Following the demand, Indigenous People’s Forum (IPF), with the support of eight other CSOs, submitted a memorandum addressed to Chief minister N Biren Singh emphasising the same on Friday.
It may be mentioned that the Manipur Naga Youth Organisation had also made a similar demand recently urging authorities to replace Letpao Haokip.
Speaking to the media at Tribal Market Management Committee office, New Checkon, Imphal, IPF president Ashang Kasar highlighted that the nine CSOs had a joint consultative meeting which resolved on two different demands.
“The first is the replacement of Letpao Haokip and the second is an appeal to all concerned groups to stop the incessant monetary demands and intimidations of small business establishments within Imphal,” he said.
He pointed out that the Tribal Market in Imphal was established with the vision to promote business of tribal people in Imphal.
He maintained that the year long absence of the Tribal Affairs minister has posed a huge obstacle for tribal related development in the state.
“The development of the market along with other tribal related issues has been halted due to the minister’s absence. He is also the minister of two other department which are running on fumes due to his absence,” he said.
As such, he demanded for the minister to be replaced and also maintained that the nine civil bodies would work collectively in the matter.
On the other hand, Ashang appealed to the concerned groups and individuals to stop monetary demands and intimidation of business establishments in Imphal specifically in Khuman Lampak, North AOC, Mantripukhri area.
“The incessant monetary demands on the business owners has driven few establishments to close shop. They should refrain from threatening and intimidating the owners,” he said.
He stated that such mindless actions could spiral to unwanted incidents and as such, he appealed all involved to show empathy and instead talk out the issues in a civil way.
The nine bodies include IPF, Manipur Naga Youth Organisation, Imagi Meira, Youth of Manipur, Rongmei Naga Council Manipur, Rongmei Naga Luhphwam Imphal area, United Meitei Pangal Committee Manipur, Tribal Market Management Committee and Helpline Team Imphal.
