CSOs plan Delhi rally to prod PM's conscience
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 05 2024: Expressing deep anguish and disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's continued silence on the Manipur crisis, a coalition of 19 civil society organisations (CSOs) from the state has announced to stage protest rally in New Delhi on December 22 .

The decision to hold the rally was taken during a joint meeting of the 19 CSOs at Hotel Imphal on Thursday.

The rally, to be organised under the theme 'Peace and Mutual Coexistence', aims to draw national attention to the ethnic strife and humanitarian crisis gripping Manipur since May 3.2023, while urging the Prime Minister to break his silence and take decisive action.

In a joint press statement issued Thursday, the CSOs highlighted the Prime Minister's failure to address the suffering of the people of Manipur, despite holding the constitutional and moral responsibility to ensure the unity and well-being of the state.

The CSOs noted with irony that while the Prime Minister speaks extensively about global peace during his foreign trips, including calls to end the Russia-Ukraine war, he has refrained from addressing the turmoil in Manipur.

"This silence betrays the trust and hope of the people of Manipur, raising serious questions about his commitment to the state, " the statement rued.

For over 18 months, Manipur has been engulfed in violence, displacement, and social discord, leaving the state deeply divided and its people disillusioned.

The CSOs remarked that it is unacceptable for the Prime Minister of India to advocate for peace abroad while ignoring the suffering of his own citizens at home.

They questioned as to how the leader of the nation could remain indifferent to such a protracted crisis within its borders, while emphasising the need for immediate and sincere efforts to resolve the conflict.

"To address this pressing issue, the coalition has resolved to organise the Delhi rally with the support of Manipuri diaspora in the national capital," the bodies stated adding that the rally aims to awaken the conscience of the nation and urge the Prime Minister to acknowledge the crisis and take responsibility for protecting the lives and dignity of the people of Manipur.

A 50-member delegation representing the diverse ethnic communities and CSOs of Manipur will seek an audience with the Prime Minister be -tween December 22 and 26, to discuss pathways for peace and reconciliation.

As a preparatory measure, a two-member team will visit the Prime Minister's Office on December 16, to formally submit a request for this crucial meeting, the joint statement detailed.

The CSOs underscored the importance of this engagement, emphasising that the Prime Minister must demonstrate leadership, compassion, and resolve to address the Manipur crisis.

It reiterated that peace and unity cannot be achieved through indifference but require dialogue and decisive action.

The CSOs warned that the continued silence of the Prime Minister only deepens the pain and suffering of those affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The joint press statement was accompanied by a resolution adopted during meetings held on October 12, at Classic Grande, here, and on Thursday at Hotel Imphal.

These meetings, attended by representatives of various CSOs and multi-ethnic communities, focused on charting a path toward peace and mutual coexistence.

The resolution reaffirmed the decision to organise the December 22 rally and to form the 50-member delegation for discussions with the Prime Minister.

It called upon the Government of India to initiate a peace process to end the ongoing conflict and promote dialogue among all stakeholders.

It also urged the government to prioritise the resettlement of all internally displaced persons, ensuring their safe return to their homes and lands.

The resolution emphasised the collective commitment of the CSOs to work in solidarity with all communities and stakeholders to rebuild trust and harmony across ethnic lines.

Signatories to the resolution include the Committee of Peaceful Coexistence, Manipur (CPCM), Meetei/Meitei Tribe Union (MMTU), Federal Students' Organisation, Kangleipak (FESOK), United Meitei Pangal Committee (UMPC), Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF), Committee on Relief & Rehabilitation (CRR), Kanglei Panas (KP), Yelhoumee Phurup (YP), Apunba Awonba Manipur Amagidamak (AAMA), All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), All India Tanzeeme Insaaf (AITI), Struggling Women Association (SWA), All Manipur Students' Guardian Organisation (AMSGO), Imagi Meira (IM), All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs' Organisation (AMMPACO), Meipak Ningthou Committee (MNC), Youth Collective Manipur (YCM), Nupi Union for Peace and Integrity (NUPI), and Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC).

The statement reiterated the CSOs' appeal to the Prime Minister to address the crisis in the state with the seriousness it deserves and to act in the best interest of the people of the state, emphasising that true peace can only be achieved through proactive leader ship and meaningful dialogue.

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