Manipur to despatch officials to assist Manipuris
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 16, 2012: Concerned with the reported threats and attacks against Manipuris in Bangalore and Pune, the State Cabinet has decided to des patch civil and police officials to these cities even as the Joint Student Coordinating Committee of six student organisations has suggested that State officials make spot assessment of the situation.

An emergency meeting of the State Cabinet convened today has expressed serious concern and anguish over the reported incidents of attack on Manipuris in various parts of Kamataka and Maharashtra.

According to a statement issued by Sumant Singh, Secretary to Chief Minister, the emergency session was specifically held to discuss the situation arising out the Bangalore and Pune incidents.

Stating that the Cabinet took several decisions for the safety and security of Manipuris residing in these States, the statement informed about teams of senior civil and police officials of Manipur Government set to leave for these places tomorrow.

The State officials would coordinate the movement and safety of Manipuri people, maintained Sumant Singh.

Apart from expressing serious concern andanxiety about the safety and security of Manipuris residing in Bangalore.

Pune, Mysore, etc the Cabinet also noted the departure of large number of Manipuris from the Karnataka State capital by trains and flights.

Informing that Government of Manipur is in constant touch with the Governments of Karnataka and Maharashtra States, Sumant Singh pointed out that the Prime Minister's Office and Union Home Ministry have already been urged to issue appropriate advisory to these States to ensure safety and security of Manipuris.

Moreover, Government of Manipur is keeping a close watch on the developments in Karnataka through the Liaison Office of Manipur at Bangalore and the same monitoring exercise will continue on a day to day basis.

The State officials enlisted to aid and assist Manipuri people include senior police officer (IPS) Clay Khongsai for Bangalore, (IAS) Yaiskul Meitei and (MCS) Ranjan Yumnam at Guwahati, and (IPS) E Priyokumar Singh at Pune.

On the otherhand, taking serious note of the mass exodus of students and professionals of North East origin back to their home-States from different mainland cities of India, the Joint Student Coordinating Commitee "comprising of six student bodies based in Manipur has asked the Government of Manipur to send its officials for spot assessment of the prevailing situations in different cities of India.

Speaking to media persons at MSF office this afternoon, convenor of the committee Longjam Umakanta said that the unfolding situation demands both students and guardians to study if the panicky situation is real or simply triggered' by baseless rumours.

The Government too should send its officials to different cities of India in order to get clear picture of the unfolding scenario.

Umakanta also appealed to all to refrain from any activity which may trigger communal conflict.

Th Suresh, another member of the Committee, decried that the issue has been given a political tinge.

The unfolding incidents reflect the general attitude of mainland Indians of looking and treating people from North East region as inferior class of people.

He also blamed the Chief Minister for remaining silent on such a sensitive issue.

Comment