TSL blames Govt for 'tense situation'
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Ukhrul, August 01 2014 : The Tang-khul Shanao Long (TSL) or Tangkhul Women Union has blamed the Government of Manipur for the present tense situation in Ukhrul.

"We are thankful to the Government of India for providing democracy to us.

However we resent the autocratic approach of the Gov- ernment of Manipur in suppressing our democratic rights through militarization.

Ukhrul was a peaceful town but with the deployment of strong contingents of security forces from the valley and promulgation of Section 144 of the CrPC, a situation of tension and insecurity permeates for the people.

This is not the creation of the people but of the Government of Manipur," the TSL stated.

It then said that Ukhrul, as the public would attest, is in a tense situation since the past 18 days with the deployment of Manipur state's security forces.

It has even threatened the right of the people in Ukhrul to exercise their expression of freedom of faith and belief.

The forcible prevention of people to attend the recently organised "Prayer for Just Peace" through the use of militaristic force is a clear example of this, the TSL added.

"This should compel any right thinking person to question the definition of peace as put forth by Mr.Gaikhangam, deputy chief minister of Manipur.

His idea of peace, as evidenced by his statement on July 31, is one that is achieved under the shadow of guns and militaristic might without any justice or rule of law.

This is myopic and ignorant at best; it is precisely the reason why the people in Ukhrul in particular and Manipur in general, are raising their collective voice against the Government of Manipur," the TSL stated.

The TSL then said deputy chief minister Gaikhangam's statement lacks genuine understanding of the reality on the ground; rather it is political and for the perpetuation of his power and position.

The TSL calls upon every right thinking person to come and witness the ground reality of Ukhrul.

According to the TSL, the militarization and martial actions of the Government of Manipur has been flatly rejected by the people of Ukhrul.

This has been manifested in the different forms of democratic agitations that the people have taken recourse to.

Terming the people's democratic protest as negative propaganda of few individuals and organizations is misleading and false.

His failure to understand the democratic voice of the public brings to question whether he commands people's mandate or if he represents few vested interest, it added.

It then said that peace through militarization is directly and inherently against the principles and values of a mature democracy.

"We condemn the suppressive actions of the Government of Manipur and further reaffirms that the people will continue to express and exercise our desire for peace and justice through democratic means," the Tangkhul women organisation said.

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