Thousands die in Manipur in ethnic violence: Dr. N B Singh

M.today

Mangalore, June 10: Thousands of innocent people die in Manipur in ethnic violence, said Dr Nara Singh, Former Manipur Minister while addressing the media at the Press Club in Mangalore, on Thursday, June 10.

 

Over 4000 people have died in Manipur due to violence in the past 2 years. Since two months, the Naga groups have been in the forefront creating highway blockade and murders leading to paralyzing normal life in Manipur. They have terrorized the people and transportation of essential goods. The price for 1 liter of petrol has gone up to Rs 130 and  the cost of  domestic gas cylinder is Rs 1,500.  Cement per bag is costing Rs. 670. Black marketing and looting are the order of the day. The outfits are extorting huge amount from every bus and trucks entering Manipure. They collect Rs. 10, 000/ to 20, 000/ per year for the regular buses and goods careers in addition to looting.

The central government has totally failed in controlling the Naga violence. Even army supply trucks are looted and burned by the Naga outfits. Why the government is not taking serious interests and action against extremists is a question. If the government can intervene Jamu and Kashmir in situations like these, why they can not do it in Manipur… questioned Dr. Singh.

The Naga group is demanding 4 districts from Manipur, 1 from Arunachal Pradesh and 2from Assam to form ‘Greater Nagaland’. If we go by history, Manipur was an independent region with clear boundaries since 33 AD. But Nagaland never had its own independent demarcation said Dr. Singh.

The most affected are the children. The schools and educational institutions have least facilities and hardly good teachers to impart. Parents are afraid to send the children to school fearing extremists. Manipur has no good educational institutions. Since last few years, Manipuri students are going to various states for higher education. Mangalore University has been very accodomative to our students.

Thanks to Mr. Mohan Alva and Sudhir Ghate, who have been a great facilitators in helping our student. He said. The Mangalore University has even gone to the level of accepting Manipuri as optional language for the students.  The Rajive Gandhi University and Vishweshwarayha University has been giving admissions to Manipuri students.

Dr. Singh urged the Vice Chancellor of Mangalore University to extend five more days to the Manipuri students for admissions as they have to travel more than five days to reach Mangalore.  Sudhir Ghate, Chairman, Magnum Intergrafiks Pvt. Ltd., announced the launch of One India Platform (Our North East) to promote education and cultural activities for the students and people of North East.