CSOs give unity call, decry forced confessions
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 29 2024:
Several civil society organisations (CSOs) have expressed deep concern over recent activities threatening to disrupt unity of the Meetei community amid relentless violence perpetrated by Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists.
In a collective appeal, the CSOs urged all organisations and individuals involved to refrain from levelling accusations against one another, while cautioning that such actions could weaken the solidarity of the community during these challenging times.
The appeal was made following a joint meeting held at the office of the Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) on Sunday.
The gathering included representatives of CSOs such as HERICOUN, DESAM, UKAL, User Manipur, KEDO, WASDEV, AMSGO, WAMA, MEELAL, WUM, LSTK, KIMACS, LOUSAL, and TIPS.
Briefing the media after the meeting, WASDEV president RK Tharaksana expressed serious concern over an incident involving Jos Chongtham, who claimed that he had been forced to issue a scripted confession.
Jos alleged that he was pressured into blaming certain individuals for forwarding a WhatsApp message in a group called "Be the Change, We Support Oja Bimol" .
If what Jos claims is true, it is a grave issue that must be avoided by any CSO, group, or individual, Tharaksana stated.
She specifically urged members of Meitei Leepun to refrain from such coercive activities in the future, emphasising that no organisation or individual should engage in the abduction, intimidation, or forced confessions of others for political or personal gain.
Tharaksana also cautioned that Meitei Leepun members themselves could face similar unwanted situations.
She further called on the government to implement strict measures to prevent abductions, threats, intimidation, and humiliation that could harm the image of the Meetei community while expressing that remaining silent on such matters could imply government complicity.
If the government does not take a firm stance, it tantamount to endorsing such behaviour, which would further damage the community's reputation, she added.
Tharaksana also warned that targeting social activists for sharing their opinions and imposing restrictions on them could discourage their efforts and weaken the community.
She stated that as activists contribute to society suppressing their voices through mob tactics would not only harm them but also be a significant loss for the entire Meetei community.
There is no place for mob culture in modern society, especially within a community like the Meetei, which has a long history of civilization and social code of conduct.
The society should never tolerate the suppression of intellectuals, academicians, and social activists.
Instead, the public must support their voices and allow their perspectives to flourish, she emphasised.
The CSOs reiterated their call for unity and urged all concerned within the Meetei community to focus on strengthening the collective fight against external threats, rather than engaging in internal discord.
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