Condemn 11th March 2015 Khwairamband Bomb Blast

March 17, 2015:

Delhi Association of Manipuri Muslim Students (DAMMS) deplores the explosion that occurred at the busy market in Khwairamband Bazar, Imphal, Manipur. The incident that took place at 5:50 p.m. on the fateful day of 11th March took the lives of 3 innocent people including a student and left over 20 injured. The Bazar is the most crowded marketplace of the State Capital city where many local Manipuris (men and women) run their shops as bread earners of their respective families. It is also home to a large number of migrant workers and businessmen from other states.

Since the blast occurred at a highly secured zone where most of the important departments of the state government are located, a few questions remain to be answered - who is responsible for the blast? Was it done by civilians? According to the police, no underground organization has claimed responsibility for the blast. Then, was it the planned efforts of security personnel?

A report of NDTV claims that the state witnessed 35 blasts in 80 days and another 15 bombs have been detected and defused. In 2014 also, 66 blasts occurred in the state killing 15 and injuring 76. Most of these blasts occurred in Imphal City. Needless to say, since Manipur does not have adequate trading centres most of the business dealings are done in Imphal where people from nook and corner of the state come for their transactions. It is usual in such situation that small businessmen had to put their hands on head and compete for survival. This affects local traders and shopkeepers the most who live on meager amount of daily earnings.

In the midst of this livelihood struggle under limited resources and infrastructure, vested interest-guided-miscreants planted bombs in such congested places. Khwairamband blast is just a triggering point; the state has been a hub for various unknown groups and individuals who have been indulging in such heinous crimes because of their vested interests.

The pertinent question is which section is most affected by the blasts? In general view, it is the daily wage earners who suffered the worst. This does not mean other sections of the society are not affected. School going and college going students bear a burden when these explosions and other disturbing incidents happen. Generally, an explosion, if it takes the lives of people, attracts violent demonstrations, bands and strikes (normally 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours or even indefinite).

This disturbance in academic atmosphere fuels the parents to send their wards outside the state for education. The problem doesn't end here. Outside the state, students face racial discriminations in many cities of the country. The coincidence of disturbing trends in Manipur and the problem of racial discriminations outside the state make the students feel very unstable and confusing. This, in turn, contributes to the inability of Manipuris to channelize their precious resources and efforts to various progressive movements occurring in and outside the state.

We ask, isn't this the ripe time for the state government of Manipur as well as the Central government to pay attention to the problems prevailing in the state? Will Manipur remain another violent-ridden and bomb-blast prone state/region in India? Isn’t it our duty and responsibility to fight against this violence and structures of violence while simultaneously fighting against human right violations and draconian laws within and outside Manipur?

Manipur has been put under the draconian, torturous and inhuman law called AFSPA and public sentiments against the Act has been widespread. Connecting closely to this is the current burning issues of ILP (Inner Line Permit System) in the Northeast in general (Manipur in particular) and the insurgency movements most of which have their roots in the Act itself. It is usual in such a strife torn state aka disturbed area such as Manipur that people come out to demand justice. However, whenever any unlawful incident happens, be it explosion, rape, fake encounter, human rights violation, illegal arrest, etc. protests or demands should be made in line with the constitutional norms and we support those non-violent movements which go by peaceful means. It will serve the best for all.

Finally, DAMMS would like to reiterate that the March 11 tragedy is an unfortunate one. It condemns wholeheartedly the actions of the unknown miscreants. DAMMS, on the behalf of all Manipuri students, demand that the culprits be booked at the earliest and justice be done. We demand the State Government to provide necessary help to all injured victims just as they promised earlier. We urge the Central Government to take necessary actions so that the perpetrators be booked and investigate the case so that there such crime is prevented beforehand. We share our deepest condolences for all the victims who lost their lives on that day. May their souls be rest in peace.

Delhi Association of Manipuri Muslim Students (DAMMS)