Manipur govt warns against unauthorized renaming of districts and institutions

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The Manipur government has taken a firm stance on the renaming of districts and institutions, emphasizing the need for prior approval before any such changes are made. The government argues that unauthorized renaming could potentially fuel conflict among communities and exacerbate the prevailing law and order challenges in the region.

According to an official notification, individuals found in violation of this directive will face legal consequences under relevant laws.

Since the outbreak of ethnic clashes in Manipur on May 3, where over 180 lives were lost and hundreds injured, tensions have been escalating. The clashes began after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organized in the hill districts to protest against the demand by the Meitei community for Scheduled Tribe status.

The order, issued by Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, explicitly states, "No one shall make or attempt to make any deliberate act of renaming districts, sub-divisions, places, institutions, and address of such institutions without the approval of the state government."

The government's decision to issue this directive is a response to reports it received from reliable sources indicating that various civil society organizations, institutions, establishments, and individuals have been engaged in the deliberate renaming of districts. These changes have raised objections and are likely to generate controversy and conflict among the communities residing in the state, particularly in the context of the ongoing law and order crisis.

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"It has come to the notice of the state government of Manipur from reliable sources that many civil society organisations, institutions, establishments and persons are deliberately renaming or trying to rename districts... which are objectionable, or likely to create controversy and conflict between communities residing in the state, more particularly in the context of the ongoing law and order crisis...," the notification said.

The government is treating this matter with utmost sensitivity, recognizing that such practices have the potential to further divide or worsen the current law and order situation in the state.

This notification comes in the wake of a recent incident where a Zo outfit based in Churachandpur renamed the district as 'Lamka'.

Manipur's population is characterized by Meiteis, who constitute about 53 percent and primarily inhabit the Imphal Valley. The remaining population, comprising Nagas and Kukis, are tribal communities residing in the hill districts, accounting for a little over 40 percent of the population. (With inputs from agencies)