Renaming of districts, institutions without approval punishable: Manipur government

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• Oct 8, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Manipur government has issued a stern notification cautioning against renaming districts and institutions without...

Digital Desk: In a bid to quell escalating ethnic tensions and maintain law and order, the Manipur government has issued a stern notification cautioning against renaming districts and institutions without prior approval. The directive, issued by Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, asserts that such actions have the potential to stoke conflict among communities and worsen the current situation.

Since May 3, Manipur has witnessed a surge in violence, with over 180 lives lost and hundreds injured due to ethnic clashes that erupted following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' in the hill districts. The march was organized in protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

The government's order unequivocally states, "No one shall make or attempt to make any deliberate act of renaming districts, sub-divisions, places, institutions, and addresses of such institutions without the approval of the state government. Violators will face prosecution under relevant laws."

The notification highlights the grave concern that prompted this directive, citing information from reliable sources indicating that various civil society organizations, institutions, establishments, and individuals are deliberately engaged in renaming activities. These actions, it asserts, are "objectionable" and "likely to create controversy and conflict between communities residing in the state."

The Manipur government views this issue with the utmost sensitivity, recognizing that such practices have the potential to further divide and exacerbate the current law and order crisis in the state.

This directive comes on the heels of a Churachandpur-based Zo outfit renaming the district as 'Lamka,' fueling tensions in the region.

Manipur's population is divided primarily between the Meiteis, who account for around 53 percent and reside predominantly in the Imphal Valley, and the Nagas and Kukis, who make up a little over 40 percent and reside in the hill districts.