The Kuki Kuki Students’ Organisation, Churachandpur said in recent times, several government policies lack fairness in the treatment of certain groups of its citizens leading to segregation. “These unequal treatments have led to mental balkanization of different communities of the state and resulting in increasing divide between them,” it added.
TFM Desk
The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Churachandpur on Tuesday accused N Biren Singh-led Manipur of unequal and discriminatory treatment meted out to different communities in Manipur after the people had given him the second mandate earlier this year.
Manipur is a “mini-India” where multiple ethnic groups co-exist within the territorial boundary “that was arbitrarily demarcated by the British during colonial rule”, KSO said the people of the state have been living together following the principle of “unity in diversity” which the Indian state dearly cherishes.
Invoking American civil rights activist Maya Angelou’s words that “in diversity there is beauty and there is strength”, the student organisation maintained the diversity of the state has led to development in different sectors of the society and economy, and places us ahead in different walks of life. “Nevertheless, history of the state has taught us that this diversity has to be managed carefully in the most inclusive way with fairness,” it added.
However, the KSO said, in recent times several government policies lack fairness in the treatment of certain groups of its citizens leading to segregation. “These unequal treatments have led to mental balkanization of different communities of the state and resulting in increasing divide between them,” it added.
Instead of maintaining the intricate ethnic relations the government had chosen to take side. This is glaringly evident in how hate-speeches are handled in the state. Habitual offenders of certain groups are time and again exonerated, despite several complaints being filed with the police under the law of the land. On the other hand, the misdemeanors committed by hill people, particularly the Kukis, are promptly booked suo moto, it alleged.
In a press statement, the student organisation said they are distraught at this inequitable indictment and incarceration. “Unless the state government takes the needful steps to calm-down ethnic sentiments, ethnic strife is impendent, ” it warned. ‘
It urged right thinking people of the state to promote mutual respect and understanding rather than exacerbate the rampant divisive and exclusionary policies today. It is incumbent upon the state government to be impartial and apply laws equally, it said.
The press statement concluded by saying, “Let the principle “Salus populi suprema lex esto” find its rightful place in Manipur as a fundamental rule for government.”