Chandel: A one-day awareness program on the theme “Unified Response” was held at the Chandel Headquarters today. The event was organized by the Chandel Naga People’s Organisation (CNPO) in collaboration with the Native Peoples’ Committee Manipur (NPCM). Several key resolutions were also taken during the program.
Former bureaucrat Timothy Zimik of the IRS and Homen Thangjam, Assistant Professor at Indira Gandhi Tribal University (IGTU), were the resource persons for the program.
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Delivering the keynote address, Ashang Kasar, NPCM Convener, stressed the need to unite the native inhabitants of the state against what he termed external aggressors. He stated that the common enemy of the state is the Government of India, which, he alleged, uses foreign elements as proxies. He further said that the state is facing demographic changes due to external aggression and the continued presence of Kuki refugees who settled in the state during the 1960s. He also demanded the enforcement of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the implementation of the census, stressing that the NRC is necessary to identify the natives of the state.
He further stated that the program was held to spread awareness about the need to stand united under one common platform against external aggression and the Government of India. He reiterated that the NPCM was formed after reaching a consensus with various community leaders from the Meitei and Naga communities. Ashang Kasar added that similar awareness campaigns would be held in other districts in the coming days.
Speaking at the event as one of the resource persons, retired IRS officer K. Timothy Zimik highlighted the changing demographics of the state. He stated that in 1881, there were 221 Naga villages with a population of 66,000, compared to 77 Kuki and Zomi villages with an approximate population of 25,000. However, according to the 2011 Census, there were 699,000 Naga people as against 397,000. He also pointed to a disproportionate increase in the number of new villages in Kuki- and Zomi-inhabited districts, especially Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Pherzawl, with 1,169 new villages. He further stated that the NRC is needed to distinguish genuine citizens of Manipur from Kuki Burmese refugees.
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Homen Thangjam, the other resource person, also stressed the issue of illegal immigration in Manipur. He cited the influx of Nepalis during 1984–88, which later resulted in granting citizenship. He also pointed out the correlation between illegal immigration and deforestation in the state, especially in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts.
Other dignitaries, including NPCM Co-Convener Deban Rokesh, also spoke at the event, stressing the need to unite the indigenous or native people against external aggression.
The meeting adopted the following resolutions:
- Census: The house resolved that the census is important for mutual understanding among communities. The Native People Committee, Manipur, urged all communities to cooperate for accurate documentation and the timely updating of population data.
2. NRC: The house recommended that the NRC process, with 1951 as the base year, must be implemented. The Native People Committee, Manipur, called for inclusive consultation and an early update for lasting clarity. It also stated that collective pressure should be exerted by the Meitei and Naga communities on the Central and State governments.
3. Present Conflict: The house resolved that, in view of the present conflict, the natives should jointly defend and protect the spirit of the united indigenous Yelhoumee people.
4. 6 Naga Issue: The house adopted a resolution stating that the Native People Committee, along with the people of Chandel through CNPO Manipur, strongly condemns all acts of violence against the six Naga people. It demanded that justice be delivered in one voice, without bias or delay.
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5. SoO Agreement: The house adopted a resolution stating that the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the concerned groups should be abrogated in the interest of peace, security, and the peaceful coexistence of the people of Manipur.
The event saw hundreds of participants and several dignitaries, including former 41 AC MLA St. Victor Nunghlung, David Boyes, present Naga Hoho Vice-President, NPF President LH Starson, TS Thursung, Assistant Chief of Panchi Village, Daniel Leivon Lamkang, President of the Manipur Naga Youth Organisation, and HB Kowahring, Secretary of NPUI.
