WMC urges New Delhi to secure Natl Highways

IMPHAL, Oct 12
Listing a series of demands, the World Meetei Council (WMC) has urged the Government of India  (GoI) to take up immediate measures to secure the National Highways connecting Mani-pur to the rest of the country and also resettle the displaced people taking refuge in relief camps.
The council, in a statement signed by its secretary information and publicity Roshan Khumukcham, continued that the Central Government needs to take the issue in Manipur with utmost seriousness by recognising it not only as a re- gional issue but also as a threat to  the National security.
Saying that the security and stability of Manipur are intricately tied to India’s National interests, the WMC  urged the Government of India to resolve the crisis in Manipur.
Additionally, the WMC urged the Government to focus on the resettlement of those displaced by the ongoing conflict and give them adequate compensation for the loss and suffering they have endured.
Addressing the humanitarian impact of the crisis and restoring normalcy in the lives of the displaced people are essential to heal  the State, the council added.
Further stating that the unlawful taxes being imposed by militant groups in broad daylight on public and private transports along National Highways which serve as the lifelines of Manipur, are a grave concern and pose a significant security threat, the WMC urged the Government to take immediate action to secure the National Highways connecting Manipur to the rest of the country.
WMC also called for a reduction of flight fares between Imphal and other parts of India and resumption of railway services between Agartala, Silchar and Jiribam to enhance connectivity for Manipur and its people.
Additionally, extending train service from Jiribam to Guwahati would be vital for the residents of Jiribam, it added.
Meanwhile, the council said that they  are committed to protect the rights of the Meetei people.
Advocating peace and unity across Manipur, the WMC stated that  they stand in solidarity with all communities in the State.
The council called for a peaceful and united approach to resolve the issues besieging Manipur.
Continuing that WMC opposes all attempts to divide the State, the council maintained that  they will continue to oppose any initiatives that undermine the integrity of Manipur.
Asserting that any effort to break Manipur apart will not be tolerated, the council added that the integrty of the State is paramount.
The Meetei community has the Constitutional right to seek the status of Scheduled Tribe (ST) under Article 342 of the Constitution, it said and maintained that they also emphasize the importance of peace, harmony and the preservation of Manipur’s integrity in light of the current situation.
The well-being of the State and her people must be the foremost priority during this challenging time, it said.