Sanajaoba appeals to other communities
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 17 2023: Titular king and Rajya Sabha Member Leishemba Sanajaoba has appealed to all other communities to take the role of peacemakers and persuade both the Kuki and Meitei communities to stop the ongoing violence.

Sanajaoba was speaking at the 4th Eegi Khongul Liba programme held at the royal palace today under the aegis of the Meitei Pangal Eegi Khongul Liba Foundation.

The programme was graced by Leishemba Sanajaoba as chief guest, Meitei Pangal Eegi Khongul Liba Foundation Manipur president Buyamayum Yaima Shah as president and Lilong Haoreibi College Principal Dr Dolaipham Raheijudin Sheikh (Oja Shamu) as guest of honour.

Speaking at the function, Leishemba Sanajaoba said that the ongoing violence, at the first glance, looks like a communal conflict but a closer analysis will reveal that it is not what appears to be.

"All of us strongly condemn the shocking act of killing a Maring woman.

Such abominable incidents stem from the ignorance of who Marings, Tangkhuls and Kabuis are", the titular king said.

Meiteis did not start the violence.

So far, the Meiteis are only defending themselves.

Meiteis have not yet launched any offensive, Sanajaoba said.

Some people have been propagating volumes and volumes of lies and fabricated tales about the conflict.

Let them do so.

The whole world will certainly come to know the truth one day or the other, he said.

Saying that some people have been taking undue advantage of the conflict situation to settle personal scores and garner political gains, the Rajya Sabha Member asserted that it is best for every one to put an end to the ongoing violence.

Noting that all the communities of Manipur are suffering untold misery on account of the protracted violence, the titular king appealed to the Naga and Meitei Pangal communities to talk with leaders of both the Kuki and Meitei communities so as to bring an end to the protracted violence.

Meiteis don't see all Kukis as enemies.

In fact, the old Kukis are very dear to the Meiteis.

It was those people who came later that destroyed the social fabric, he said.

All should work together toward restoration of peace and harmony among all the 35 ethnic groups of the State.

So far, Meiteis have not launched any offensive or war.

However, if no one comes forward to mediate and stop the ongoing violence, Meiteis may be compelled to launch a devastating offensive, he said.

Meitei don't want war.

Meiteis want peace and they are always in favour of peaceful co-existence among all the ethnic groups, Sanajaoba said.

Urging Meitei Pangals to use their respective surnames, the titular king said that it would help in identifying their roots and also in upholding their identity.

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