Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 05 2010:
Tensions over the December 22 incident, in which two villagers of Keithelmanbi of Senapati district were lynched by an irate mob at Nogbrang villagers protesting against excesses meted out on them by suspected Kuki National Front (P), eased today following an agreement.
The agreement was reached in a public meeting organised by the Keithelmanbi Juvenile Club under the initiative of the Secular Progressive Front (SPF) government participated by villagers of Nogbrang, Tumukhong, Keithelmani and its surrounding area today.
Works Minister, K Ranjit, Tribal Development Minister, DD Thaisii, IFCD and YAS Minister, N Biren, Hill Areas Development Committee Chairman, Thangminlen Kipgen, MLAs M Okendro, Doukhongmang Khongsai and wife of MLA Th Shyamkumar, Babita were in dais of the meeting that was held at Keithelmanbi Bazar today.
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Speaking at the meeting, IFCD and YAS minister, N Biren observed that communal hatred is more dangerous than of nuclear or atom bomb.
Only tragedies follows communal hatred, said Biren citing the Naga-Kuki and Meetei-Pangal clashes the state witnessed years back.
Taking lesson from the past events, it is necessary to prevent such clashes as far as practicable and live in peace and march ahead towards development.
People should be beware of persons instigating communal hatred, he cautioned.
MLA Doukhonmang Khongsai said that only the Manipuri will truly love Manipur.
None of the people coming from outside the state will love the state.
All communities and tribes should put their efforts together not to let any communal clashes take place taking leasons from past incidents.
He also appealed to armed undergrounds not to indulge in activities which will create communal tension and also to stop harassing people.
Works Minister K Ranjit expressed to need to end any kinds of misunderstanding through talks.
The idea of untouchables which existed during the reigns of king is no more.
People should forget such outdated ideology and live in harmony.
Even though, different religions are followed by different groups of people, it should not be forgotten that people living in this state are brothers and sisters of a mother.
The clear example of spirit of oneness was that of protecting the boundary of state with Nagaland by the villagers of Jessami.
Even aged old man there is shouting that even a inch of land will not be given to the neighbouring.
MLA Thangminlen Kipgen said that the colour of blood is the same for all the people irespective of tribe or clan they belong.
There is no difference between the blood of Kukis and that of Meetei or Naga.
There is no reason for hatred.
TD Minister, DD Thaisii who also spoke in the meeting lauded the efforts of the civil societies to ease the erupting tension.
At the concluding part of the meeting, a grand feast was also served to mark the settling of the matter.
Newmai News Network also while informing that the matter of December 22 incident has been resolved today said that to mark the easing of tension a grand feast which was attended by JAC of Nongbram village, representatives of the state government of Manipur and leaders of Kuki Students Organisation (KSO), All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM), All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) and United Committee Manipur (UCM) was served.
Leaders of ATSUM, ANSAM and KSO informed NNN that today's development was the result of the apology tendered by the Nongbram JAC led by MLA Syamkumar's wife Babita on behalf of the Nongbram villagers at the chief minister's office on December 31 to the family members of the two lynched students in presence of leaders of ATSUM, KSO and ANSAM.
Prior to the tendering of apology by the JAC of Nongbram, there was a comprehensive negotiation over the matter, the report said adding that today's meeting was already planned on December 31 .