Imphal, Jul 11: Squarely blaming the Government for all the ills dogging the State, the United Committee Manipur today stated that past instances have shown that the writ of the Government does not run in the hill districts at all.

In a statement, UCM said that this has come about because of the lack of governance on the part of the Government down the years.

The lack of governance is deliberate, said UCM and added that in the politics of vote bank some organisations have been used by armed groups to the extent that they are ready to burn their own history and identity.

The UCM cannot tolerate such a policy, it added.

The State Government has recognised 35 communities in Manipur, including Meiteis and Meitei Pangals and there are some other smaller groups.

Collective efforts are underway to highlight the identity, language and culture of each of the community to the international forum, said UCM and added that this is included in the educational curriculum.

All the communities in Manipur have their own distinct set of identities and language.

The tragedy is when a community tries to take refuge in another State which does not accord them their rightful identity, said UCM and recalled how protests were raised when a student from a community in Manipur topped the Nagaland Board on the ground that a person not recognised by Nagaland should not be given the top position.

UCM also recalled how some Tangkhuls were denied entry to Dzuko valley on the ground that the valley belongs to Nagaland.

Students are being led the wrong path, asserted UCM and added that this can give complication in the later stages of education such as at the university level, entrance test for MBBS, BE and IT and while claiming scholarships and loans.

The State Government does not hesitate to accuse the armed groups of derailing development process, but it should realise that the people are not so gullible and know that development funds have been siphoned under the pretext that they have gone to the coffers of the armed groups, said UCM and added that till date no one has been punished by law for corruption.

Though the cease fire between Delhi and the NSCN (IM) is officially not enforced in Manipur, there is an understanding to this effect, said UCM and added that the mock Welcome to South Nagaland sign, the border dispute with Nagaland and the burning of text books prescribed by the BSEM, is proof that the State Govt has failed on all fronts.

Therefore the need of the hour is to think over the future and not fall into the man made division of Kuki, Naga, Meitei and Meitei Pangal, advised UCM.

The Govt on its part should do its duty to ensure calm and tranquillity.

The people of Manipur know how the State of Nagaland functions.

The Govt of Manipur should realise its duty and make it known to its Nagaland counter part that it will not brook any interference in the internal affairs of the State, said UCM and warned that if it fails to discharge its duties, then the people may come to a point that they do not need a Government at all.

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