ICHAM appeals for peaceful coexistence
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 18 2016: Information Centre for Hills Area Manipur (ICHAM) today appealed to all the people to resolve issues through dialogue and understanding and promote peaceful co-existence.

Speaking to mediapersons at its office, Christian Tengbang Lup president S Beikul Singh said that the Central Government must intervene in the issue of UNC's economic blockade.

Considering the age-old cordial relationship among the people of various communities, the Central Government instead of politicising the issue must initiate required steps to end the chaos.

At the same time, people should refrain from using derogatory comments against any community.

Attacking places of worship must be stopped, he added.

Kuki Women Union Manipur advisor Rose Mangshi Haokip said that the economic blockade was imposed against creation of new districts.

The new districts were created not for any particular community.

The valley districts are also occupied not only by a particular community.

As such, there is no reason for some sections of people to be dissatisfied.

When acute shortage of essential commodities started causing great difficulties on the people in the valley, the counter economic blockade was launched.

However, attacking Churches should have been avoided.

Church is a place where people of all communities come together and pray.

Such act is not acceptable before God.

CSOs should not remain silent on such issue.

Steps should be initiated in order to bring an understanding at the earliest, Rose Mangshi Haokip added.

United Christian Women Manipur president Vermini Sanasam also said that violence will not solve any problem.

The ongoing issue has been instigated by people with vested interest.

The Central Government has silently witnessing the whole scenario without extending any help.

The only people who can solve this ongoing issue is us- the people of Manipur.

Let us shun violence and learn to love one another, she added.

ICHAM president N Rajendro asserted that UNC will one day realize that the Centre has been using them all this while.

He also expressed hope that UNC will soon call off the economic blockade.

"Let us all stand united against the external forces that are trying to rip the people apart.

We need to focus on the act of the Centre, UNC and NSCN-IM instead of communalizing the issue," he added.

Panti Gonmei, president, Rongmei Luh Phuam and Meena Vashum, chairperson, World Road Church, 2nd MR were also present at the press conference.

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