Imphal, June 12: Despite the recent condemnation and rejection of the Centre’s peace committee by several Kuki tribal bodies, Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey visited the troubled district of Churachandpur, widely known as the Kuki heartland, on Monday.
As the Chairperson of the Peace Committee, the Governor aimed to engage with the indigenous community and address their grievances.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Front (ITLF), a prominent Kuki tribal organization, presented a memorandum to Governor Uikey, reiterating their long-standing demand for a separate administration for the Kuki tribals. Additionally, the ITLF expressed concerns over the participation of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in the peace committee, citing his alleged bias against the Kuki tribe.
Upon her arrival, Governor Uikey headed directly to the Churachandpur College relief centre, where she interacted with the displaced people who had sought shelter there. The children at the camp warmly welcomed her, waving the Indian national flag. She attentively listened to the displaced citizens, acknowledging their struggles and hardships, and assured them that their needs and requirements would be promptly addressed.
Governor Uikey made a commitment to ensure essential provisions such as adequate water supply, food, medicine, and other necessities as quickly as possible. During her visit, she encountered tearful elderly women who shared their challenges with her as she moved from one room to another within the relief centre. Their heartfelt conversations further motivated the Governor to find effective solutions.
“People in relief camp, their needs… drinking water, food, medical, and the requirements of children… I have come to see if all the essential facilities are being provided in the relief camps. The central govt has, for the camps, sent a relief committee to ensure the displaced citizens are getting essential amenities… an enquiry committee has come which will submit its report in 6 months… the govt will be providing Rs. 10 lakhs to next of kin to the deceased, and one person of the family will be given govt job. Analysis and estimates are being made for the damages and losses to property of the people… I am trying my best to resolve their problems and provide them relief,” he said after her visit.
“I am saddened to see the people here in these camps… I want to ensure they get the best facilities,” she further said.
Continuing her mission, Governor Uikey also visited the relief camps at St Mary’s School and Salt Brook. To gather a comprehensive understanding of the situation, she convened a meeting with civil society groups, the ITLF, and other tribal bodies at the 27th Sector Assam Rifle.
