Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 03, 2010:
Church leaders, citizens, students, scholars and women leaders have expressed serious concern at the prevailing situation in Mapaokhullen village under Saikul sub-division of Senapati district and Sekmai Police Station and earnestly appealed to armed group/party concerned who allegedly assaulted people of the village including the pastor and elders on August 31 night on charges of being informers of state police commandoes.
These bodies in a joint statement appealed to immediately stop and desist from any such violent actions including threats to the villagers.
Interacting with a group of peace workers and church leaders in Imphal the villagers expressed that their sentiments had been hurt so deeply by the threats and humiliation they suffered in the hands of armed group.
It is reported that the armed groups, suspected to be valley-based, after assaulting the elders threatened them with drastic consequences within four time.
Meitei, Thangal and Tangkhul villagers live side by side in Mapaokhullen area peacefully.
The meeting considered such violent actions by armed groups serious deterent to peaceful co-existence and direct affront to inter-community relationships and social harmony especially when people are experiencing tense situation in the state.
The meeting further appealed to armed groups concerned to sort out differences, if any, without using threats and violence, especially towards unarmed civilians.
The issue of Mapao-khullen came up for immediate attention and response during an ongoing Civil Society Interaction programme organized by All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO), Forum for Social Harmony and Peace Core Team Manipur (PCTM) to assess conflict situation in Manipur for appropriate responses.
The meeting was held today at the Central Library complex, Imphal, the statement added.