European Manipuri Association Expresses Concerns to Indian High Commission in UK, Submits Memorandum

The European Manipuri Association (EMA) recently issued a statement outlining their recent efforts to address the crisis in Manipur. EMA chairperson, Sagolsem Biramani, conveyed that they presented a memorandum to Vikram K Doraiswami, the High Commissioner of India to Britain, highlighting five key points about the Manipur crisis. The EMA submitted copies of relevant documents and emphasized the historical context of the Kuki refugees from the 1960s, linking it to the current unrest in Manipur. They urged the Indian High Commission to examine the matter and address the spread of misinformation by Indian-origin individuals abroad, as it could provoke further violence.

Furthermore, the EMA stressed the importance of prioritizing the Indo-Myanmar border fencing for internal security and shielding Manipur from the enduring turmoil in the neighboring country. They also mentioned the need to foster dialogue among all communities to instill confidence and work towards peace and harmony in Manipur. The Minister (Coordination) in the High Commission of India, Deepak Choudhary, encouraged EMA to facilitate dialogue with all communities to build trust and peace in Manipur. He assured the visiting team that he would convey the diaspora’s concerns to the relevant authorities in Delhi.

The EMA’s memorandum included key points such as the restoration of law and order in Manipur without bias, immediate rehabilitation and fair compensation for internally displaced people, border security measures, preventing deforestation, halting the expansion of the ‘Golden Triangle’ into Manipur, and identifying illegal immigrants. The ongoing clashes between the valley-dominant Meitei community and nearly two dozen Kuki tribes, which have resulted in numerous casualties and internal displacement, were also highlighted. The Meiteis seek inclusion under the Scheduled Tribes category, while the Kuki tribes desire a separate administration in Manipur, citing discrimination and unequal resource allocation.