Manipur: Meetei Council Urges PM Modi to Restore Moreh's Multicultural Harmony

IMPHAL: In a recent memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Meetei Council of Moreh, Manipur, highlighted the escalating tensions and upheaval in the town along the Indo-Myanmar border. The council underscored the historical composition of Moreh, initially established as a diverse community comprising Meiteis, Tangkhuls, Tamils, Punjabis, and Meitei Pangals.

The urgent plea urged the Prime Minister and the government of Manipur to intervene promptly, aiming to restore Moreh to its pre-1991 status and rehabilitate those displaced since then. The council requested the identification and deportation of illegal migrants while emphasizing the need for the return and rehabilitation of all individuals driven out of Moreh.

According to the council, the influx of Kukis occurred post-1991, with a significant portion considered illegal immigrants from Myanmar. It claimed that ethnic cleansing by Kuki militants and their supporters targeted various communities, leading to a need for resettlement and rehabilitation.

The council firmly asserted that until the implementation of resettlements, no Kuki family, including current residents, should be allowed to stay in Moreh. The emphasis lies on restoring harmonious coexistence among the diverse communities that constitute Moreh's rich heritage.

The historical context presented in the memorandum traced Moreh's origin to Kabo Valley, currently part of Myanmar, within Manipur territory until 1834. After independence, Moreh became a border post, and its multicultural fabric thrived until the 1990s. The council stressed that Meiteis were the first settlers, and over time, various communities, including Kukis, Nagas, Tamils, Punjabis, and more, coexisted harmoniously.

However, the situation changed in 1992 when Kuki tribes migrated illegally, leading to ethnic clashes and displacements. The recent Tribal Solidarity Rally in May 2023 further escalated tensions, resulting in brutal attacks and forced exodus of Meiteis, Tamils, Punjabis, Meitei Pangals, Biharis, and Nepalis by Kuki militants and their supporters.

The Meetei Council's memorandum seeks urgent government intervention to ensure the restoration of Moreh's multicultural fabric, emphasizing the town's historical ties and the imperative need for inclusive coexistence among its diverse communities.

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