10 political parties condemn Lilong incident
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 02 2024:
Apart from expressing concern over the ceaseless violence, unabated killings and lawlessness in the state, 10 like-minded political parties asked people of Manipur if they are to remain satisfied with government of India naming a war ship as 'Imphal'.
Leaders of the 10 political parties convened an executive committee meet on Tuesday at Congress Bhawan in connection with the un-ending violence for almost eight months with unabated deaths, Lilong Chingjao incident of January 1 and gun-battle between security forces and Kuki militants since the past few days in Moreh.
Representatives of AAP, AIFB, AITC, CPI, CPI (M), INC, JD (U), NCP, RSP and SS (UBT) attended the meet and observed two-minute silence on demise of four people in the Lilong Chingjao firing incident.
The meet also strongly condemned attack on security forces by Kuki militants in and around Moreh town and shared solidarity with grief and anxiety of families of the injured security personnel.
The meet also adopted resolutions including appealing to the people to put collective efforts to bring back peace and prevent unwanted incidents.
The meet also resolved to collectively support Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Nyay Yatra', which will be flagged off from Imphal on January 14.Addressing media persons after the meeting, JD (U) state president and ex-MLA Kh Loken said it is the duty of the government to protect lives and properties of the people but it is questionable as to why both state and central governments are not putting an end to the ethnic violence even after eight months.
The continuing violence is claiming lives of several people and rendering homeless thousands, he said and questioned as to who shall bear the responsibility.
The people of Manipur are not satisfied with handling of the unrest situation by both state and central governments, Loken said asked people of the state whether they are amused over mere naming of a war ship of Indian Navy as 'Imphal'.
Expressing deep sympathy on loss of lives at Lilong Chingjao, Loken thanked leaders of CSOs, clubs, organisations and Meira Paibi groups of both Meetei and Meitei Pangal communities for averting further unwanted incidents.
MPCC president K Meghachandra, who also attended the press conference, said beginning of a New Year usually marks by blessings and wishes but it Was very unfortunate that the state saw the New Year soaked in blood and violence.
Apart from appealing to state government to put efforts to prevent unwanted incidents and probe the Lilong incident, Meghachandra also called upon entire sections of people to avert communal clashes.
There is no let up to the violence even after eight months and killings continue unabated, Meghachandra said adding that he felt ashamed of questioning government on the continuing violence.
CPI leader L Sotinkumar also said that there is no governance in Manipur now.
It is reported that unaccounted numbers of Myanmar nationals have entered Manipur but the Government of India remains silent despite understanding the impeding threat the illegally entered immigrants would pose in near future.