Dimapur, June 16 (MExN): The Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) has stated that the “only solution for long lasting peaceful and communal harmony among the people of Manipur will be to grant separate alternative arrangement for hills tribal people where there will be no interference”.
ZYF was reacting to the counter blockade imposed by valley based organizations which have been allegedly pulling down goods from hill district bound vehicles and restricting carrying of essential commodities and goods to hills districts.
In a press release, ZYF stated that the counter blockade imposed against the interest and sentiment of the tribal people of the hills is a “reflection” of the deep divide between the people living in the hills and the valley.
Making it clear that the 10-day Economic Blockade imposed on the National Highways by tribal JAC is not against any community but “against the wrong policy and unconstitutional three bills” passed by the State Assembly last year, the ZYF contended that the counter blockade “of suppressive method with ill will attitude” towards the hills tribal people showed the “clear intention to suppress the democratic voice of the tribal people”.
This, according to the Front, is evidence that the tribal people cannot even raise a voice of concern and express objection “even when their future interest and sentiment is infringed upon” with acts such as the infamous three anti tribal bills. Such act “will not bring any good but add more problems in the days to come”, it added.
Hitting out at the Manipur State Government for not taking action against the responsible groups, the Zeliangrong Youth Front warned that it will “strongly and befittingly” respond in the “right time”.
The ZYF mentioned that the present situation was created by the State Assembly with irresponsible legislators who without proper consultation with all the stake holders hurriedly passed the three bills last year.
Further stating that the tribal people of the hills never imposed counter blockade on National Highways or any place dominated by them even when the valley districts was under siege for many months due to various forms of agitations and protest launched by valley based organizations particularly in Imphal, the Zeliangrong Youth Front maintained that the tribal people respect the sentiments and interests of all sections of people including Meitei community. But such respect is not shown and reciprocated to the tribal people of the hills, the ZYF rued.
