IMPHAL, March 7 � In a significant development, Manipur�s proscribed outfit Revolutionary People�s Front (RPF) has asked all non-Manipuris living in the State to leave by May 31 next.
In a press release issued here yesterday, Secretary Publicity of the outfit, T Leisemba said, �Excepting those who come for education-related purposes for temporary period; experts/scholars coming for temporary works, tourists, players and those coming for art and culture-related activities, all other outsiders coming to Manipur are illegal and hence their entry into Manipur is prohibited�.
�To RPF�s understanding, all outsiders who came to Manipur after 1949 are non-Manipuris,� he explained.
The RPF release further stated that non-Manipuris coming to Manipur to earn their livelihood are small fraction of the 23 crore under- privileged people of India who cannot afford a full meal. �To the RPF, they are products of the Government of India�s oppressive regime, and they are friends of the party,� it said.
�However, non-Manipuris are now facing extreme hatred in Manipur,� it further added and pointed out that given this scenario, the State Government has been working hard to blame and indict revolutionary groups for the threat and challenge to non-Manipuris.
Stating that there has been instances when an individual or a group assaulted or killed non-Manipuris, the RPF release continued that in the backdrop of these attacks, the State Government has instructed the non-Manipuris not to venture outside Imphal city. �Despite these measures, there are reports of assault on and killing of non-Manipuris,� the outfit said.
The RPF further pointed out that considering the circumstances, it would not be possible for non-Manipuris to live a secure and peaceful life in Manipur. �The Government of Manipur is unable to prevent unwanted incidents. In the light of this helpless condition, the RPF is of the view that it would be prudent on the part of non-Manipuris to leave Manipur for safer places,� the release stated.
�With due regards and concern for your welfare, the RPF appeals to all non-Manipuris to leave Manipur,� it said. It appealed to transporters not to bring non-Manipuris to the State. The RPF further appealed against renting rooms and selling land or plots to them, hiring them as labourers and allowing them to become business proprietors or heads.
PTI adds: Following the quit notice served on non-Manipuris by a banned outfit to leave Manipur, the State Government today said it was prepared to protect all sections of people in any eventuality.
The government would not tolerate any act of violence against any person, a statement issued by the State Home department said.
The government had received reports that some elements were pressurising the media to publish a �quit notice� to force some sections of the people to leave the State, it said.
