The Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) reiterated on Tuesday its call for the appointment of a new Minister for Tribal Affairs & Hills and the Horticulture & Soil Conservation Department. This demand was previously outlined in a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister on May 8.
In a statement, MNYO urged the government to expedite the release of all overdue disbursements for schemes and work programmes for the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24, intended for beneficiaries of Tribal Affairs & Hills and Horticulture & Soil Conservation. The organization claimed that these departments have been in a state of neglect since the outbreak of conflict in the state.
MNYO highlighted the importance of the Tribal Affairs & Hills Department in overseeing the welfare and development of tribal and hill areas. Similarly, the Horticulture Department is vital for hill tribal horticulturists whose livelihoods depend on horticulture products.
The current minister, a member of the Kuki community, has reportedly been unable to perform his duties since May 3. This has stalled the release of funds and the implementation of various schemes, which MNYO views as an injustice to other communities not involved in the conflict.
MNYO appealed for prompt action, stating that the absence of a minister has paralyzed development in the tribal and hill areas, halting departmental schemes, work programmes, and benefit distributions. This state of limbo has severely impeded progress in these regions.
The organization warned that if the state government does not respond positively to their demands, MNYO, along with its federating units, will consider taking stringent actions to address the grievances of the tribal populace.
