The Manipur government has issued a notification, warning against unauthorised renaming of districts and institutions without its prior approval, saying that such a move could create conflict among communities and worsen the current law and order situation. The notification also said that anyone found violating the directive would be prosecuted under relevant laws.
The notification, issued by Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi on October 4, 2023, came after a Churachandpur-based Zo outfit renamed the district as ‘Lamka’. The outfit had claimed that the name ‘Churachandpur’ was imposed by the British colonial rulers and did not reflect the identity of the Zo people.
The notification read that it has come to the notice of the state government from reliable sources that many civil society organisations, institutions, establishments and persons are deliberately renaming or trying to rename districts, sub-divisions, places, institutions and addresses of such institutions without the approval of the state government.
“It has been observed that such renaming or attempts to rename 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 arising out of ethnic clashes in some parts of the state,” the notification said.
The notification further said that the matter is viewed with “utmost sensitivity as the same practice or attempts to rename are likely to create a divide or aggravate the current law and order situation in the state”.
The notification also cited Section 8 (3) of the Representation of Peoples Act 1951, which bars a sitting legislator who is convicted for an offence and sentenced to a punishment of two or more years from continuing in office unless they can get the order of conviction suspended.
“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. Anyone found violating this directive shall be prosecuted under relevant laws,” the notification said.
The notification also urged all concerned to refrain from such acts and maintain peace and harmony in the state. Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kukis since May 2023, after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Over 180 people have been killed and several hundreds injured in the clashes.
The Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. The tribals – Nagas and Kukis – constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.
The renaming of institutions has added further tension between the communities, as both sides claim historical and cultural rights over certain areas.
The Zo outfit had said that ‘Lamka’ means ‘a place where people meet’ in their language and reflects their aspiration for unity and harmony. However, some Meitei groups have opposed the renaming, saying that it is an attempt to erase their history and identity.
The Manipur government has been trying to restore normalcy in the state by holding talks with various stakeholders and appealing for calm. The government has also extended internet ban in some districts till October 11, 2023, citing security reasons.
