By Dr. Syed Ahmed for TwoCircles.net
Like in rest of the globe, Minorities Rights Day was observed on Dec. 18 in Manipur. Manipur State Minorities Commission (MSMC) observed the day amid protest by some civil society organizations at Maharaja Chandrakirti Auditorium, Palace Compound, Imphal.
Minister (Fisheries & Agriculture) Md. Abdul Nasir, Parliamentary Secretary (MOBC and Sc. & Tech.) and Chairman Manipur State Haj Committee Md. Amin Shah and MLA & Chairman Wakf Board, Manipur Md. Fajur Rahim attended the observance as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.
However, members of some of the minority civil society organizations, which included United Manipuri Muslim Welfare Organisation (UMMWO), Manipuri Muslim Welfare Organisation (MMWO) and All Manipur Muslim Students’ Organization (AMMSO) staged a protest at the gate of the auditorium. They demanded filling up of the vacant posts of the commission, which included the posts of Chairperson and three members. The protesters argued that the Commission cannot observe the day without fulfilling their demand.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Md. Abdul Nasir said that the Chief Minister, who also holds the charge of the Department of Minorities & Other Backward Classes (MOBC), had assured that the appointment of the Chairperson will be done at the earliest. He said that every citizen in this democratic country has the right to address their grievances, however these issues should be resolved through dialogue.
Project Director, Minorities & OBCs Economic Development Society (MOBEDS) Md. Salauddin Khan informed the gathering about the different schemes that the Department of MOBC is offering for the minorities of the State.
In his key-note address, Secretary, MSMC Abdul Hakim Shah highlighted the significance of observing the day.
The function was attended by government officials and members of the minority communities of the state and civil society organizations.
The day was also observed by All Manipur Muslim Development Organisation (AMMDO) at Manipur Press Club, Imphal. The function was graced by President AMMDO Shahid Ahamad, President Editors’ Guild A. Mobi, Advisor All Manipur United Clubs & Organizations (AMUCO) K.T. Rahaman, President AMUCO Dr. Y. Mani Khuman and General Secretary Disabled Development Association Manipur (DDAM) Md. Junus Khan.
The speakers at the function addressed some of the key social and economic issues that the minority communities are facing in the State.