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

The European Manipuri Association (EMA) recently made a statement, indicating that they had presented a memorandum to Vikram K Doraiswami, the High Commissioner of India to Britain. The memorandum outlined five key points regarding the ongoing Manipur crisis.

EMA chairperson Sagolsem Biramani emphasized that the EMA had given copies of various documents related to the history of Kuki refugees from the 1960s and their connections to the current unrest in Manipur. Additionally, the EMA highlighted the importance of addressing disinformation being spread by Indian-origin individuals abroad, which could potentially incite further violence.

Furthermore, the EMA stressed the need for prioritizing the Indo-Myanmar border fencing to enhance internal security and shield Manipur from potential long-term turmoil in the neighboring country. The statement also mentioned that the Minister (Coordination) at the High Commission of India, Deepak Choudhary, encouraged EMA to work towards facilitating dialogue among all communities to promote peace and harmony in Manipur.

He assured the visiting team that he would convey the concerns of the diaspora to the relevant authorities in Delhi. The key points outlined in EMA’s memorandum included urging sincere efforts, without partiality, to restore law and order in Manipur, providing immediate rehabilitation and adequate compensation to all internally displaced people, prioritizing Indo-Myanmar border fencing, preventing deforestation, stopping the expansion of the ‘Golden Triangle’ into Manipur, and identifying illegal immigrants.

The ongoing clashes between the Meitei community and the Kukis, which have resulted in numerous casualties and a significant number of internally displaced individuals, were also highlighted in the statement. The Meiteis seek inclusion under the Scheduled Tribes category, while the Kukis and other tribes desire a separate administration within Manipur, citing discrimination and unequal resource distribution and power sharing.