Thounaojam Maheshwar, the national secretary of the Republican Party of India (RPI) Athawale, has urged both the central and state governments to deploy central forces for the eviction of illegal settlements from the Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest areas in Manipur. These forest areas share borders with Myanmar and Mizoram in the southwest.
Unhappiness over MSU’s Statement
Maheshwar expressed dissatisfaction with the recent statement from the Mizo Students’ Union (MSU), where they warned of the potential expulsion of the Meitei community from Mizoram if Kuki-Zo people from Manipur were deported to Mizoram. He criticized the MSU’s sectarian stance, suggesting a connection with militants that could pose a threat to national security and integration. Maheshwar called for an inquiry into the activities of the MSU by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The developments follow Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s announcement regarding the identification and deportation of individuals who settled in the state after 1961.
In response, the MSU cautioned the Manipur government against proceeding with the deportation of Mizo or Kuki-Zo people to Mizoram. They issued a warning that Meitei residents in Manipur could also face deportation to Mizoram. The student body claimed to have compiled a comprehensive list of all Meitei individuals residing in Mizoram.
These events reflect the complex dynamics surrounding settlement issues and regional tensions in the northeastern region of India.
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