Many express concern, call for peace & harmony in State
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 12 2023:
Expressing concern over the ongoing conflict in Manipur, many organisations and groups have appealed to all the communities residing in the State to refrain from any form of violence and come together for a peaceful solution.
In a letter addressed to the High Commissioner of India, Ottawa, Manipuri Association of Canada (MAC) has appealed to the relevant authorities to save the indigenous Meetei community and restore peace & harmony in Manipur, India.
"We, the Manipuri residing in Canada, far from our beloved homeland, strongly condemned the arson & violence and the total breakdown of the State law & order machinery in Manipur in the past few days", said a release signed by Prithiviraj Kangjam, president MAC.
Sharing that the Meeteis has always been a good host, accommodating various ethnic and religious groups in the Imphal valley, and have been living together for a long time, MAC appealed to the indigenous Meeteis and the Kukis to immediately halt all forms of violence and come to the table.
The association also urged the Central and State Governments to address the key issues and the bone of contention which were kept on the back burner for a long time to avoid future misconceptions leading to such nefarious activities.
MAC further urged the Government to resolve the ST demand of the Meeteis; put an end to the unchecked illegal influx of migrants from the neighboring country/ countries which is causing a disturbing change in the demography of the State; stop the unchecked mass deforestation of protected, desecration of the traditional sacred lands of the indigenous people and mass poppy cultivation on these deforested reserve lands on a war footing and not a mere lip service; immediately provide shelter and other basic amenities to all displaced affected communities; provide security to all vulnerable people in both the valley and the hills; punish the perpetrators to restore people's trust in the law of the land; provide all measures to restore peace, harmony & tranquillity in the State; and ensure that no false narratives are spread on digital & social media by certain yellow journalist pundits who have little knowledge about Manipur.
Appreciating the prompt & quick actions taken by the Central and State Governments to help the stranded people and restore lawf & order in the State, Manipur State Yoga Association, Imphal has appealed to all the communities of the State to shake off the evils/ sins committed during the past few days which led to irreparable loss of precious innocent lives and properties.
"Let us forget and forgive the wrong doers of both communities with maximum restraint, tolerance and profound health touch to return to complete normalcy and live in peace & harmony", said a release issued by Manipur State Yoga Association.
Pointing out that the Judiciary is there to hear and decide what is right or wrong, the association urged all to come to the table with lawmakers and judiciaries to find an amicable solution.
The association also appealed to the Central & State Governments to take immediate action to safely escort stranded Government officials and public taking shelter at relief camps facing untold suffering without proper food & lodgings.
Meanwhile, extending solidarity to the people affected by the recent violence, Communist Party of India, Manipur Local Council and Communist Party of India (CPI), Sekmai Local Council have also urged the Government to take prompt action to help the people taking shelter at various shelter camps, bring all the stakeholders to the table to find an amicable solution and restore law & order in Manipur.