Imphal, May 17: Reiterating its stand that no individual coming from beyond the State may contest in any elections of the State, the Federation of Regional Indigenous Societies (FREINDS) has categorically declared that no outsiders would be allowed to contest elections in Manipur saying there is no need for such men in the politics of the State.

A statement issued by FREINDS recounted that the once sovereign kingdom of Kangleipak (Manipur) in South-East Asia for 2000 years lost its right to govern themselves right after it was annexed to Indian Union in 1949.Since then the State has been reeling under the mercy of centre after all the political powers were hijacked by the Indian State.

All the heads of Manipur State after the annexation are just nominal.

Even then, many outsiders have started setting their eyes on these seats of nominal power, noted FREINDS.

Conveying strong apprehension on the huge influx of outsiders, it maintained that the administration of the State should be done by the indigenous peoples themselves while clarifying that Manipuris respect and love all the peoples across the globe.

Observing that the outsiders came to Manipur mainly for trade and commerce, it asked them to remain engaged in their business and to keep away from politics.

While acknowledging the good deeds done by outsiders for Manipur, the Federation cautioned them not to pursue any political agenda like the Britishers who came to India for trade and ended up in colonising the whole of India.

It also reminded of the case of Tripuris where the Bengalis who professed to love Tripura have rendered the indigenous Tripuris a minority in their own land.

Comment