Northeast Desk, 6th Jan: Meetei Council Moreh (MCM) has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging his intervention for the restoration of the multicultural town of Moreh to its pre-1991 status. The memorandum, signed by MCM’s general secretary, Brojendro Meetei, emphasizes that Kuki families should not be allowed to settle in Moreh unless appropriate measures are taken to return and rehabilitate those displaced by Kuki militants.
The council highlights Moreh’s historical composition, originally settled by Meiteis, Tangkhuls, Tamils, Punjabis, and Meitei Pangals. It notes the influx of Kukis later, with a significant portion deemed illegal immigrants from Burma (Myanmar). The memorandum outlines instances of ethnic cleansing in post-1991, orchestrated by Kuki militants, leading to the displacement of various communities.
The MCM clarifies the historical records regarding Moreh’s origin, emphasizing that Meiteis were among the first settlers, and the influx of Kukis occurred later. The memorandum recalls the demographics of Moreh, with Meiteis and Nagas constituting the majority alongside Tamils, Punjabis, and other communities.
The document traces the events leading to demographic changes, including the arrival of Kuki tribes after 1950 and the settling of Meitei Pangals, Tamils, Punjabis, and others in the wake of political developments in Burma in the 1960s. It underscores the harmony that existed among different tribes and communities in Moreh.
The memorandum notes the displacement of Nagas in 1992 due to ethnic clashes and highlights subsequent events, including the influx of Kuki migrants in 1990 and the recent Tribal Solidarity Rally in 2023, leading to attacks on various communities and their forced eviction from Moreh.
MCM seeks Prime Minister Modi’s attention and necessary action to restore Moreh to its pre-1991 status, preventing further settlement by Kuki families unless the displaced are returned and rehabilitated. The council aims to address the historical composition and cultural harmony of Moreh while preserving the rights and identity of its original inhabitants.
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