Candle Light Solidarity Vigil at Mumbai
- 23rd November 2024 : Mumbai Manipuri Solidarity Group (MMSG) -

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Candle Light Solidarity Vigil at Mumbai

In a powerful show of solidarity, the Mumbai Manipuri Solidarity Group (MMSG) and the Manipuri (Meitei) Association (MMA) organized a silent sit-in demonstration today, protesting the horrific acts of violence committed against six unarmed women and children in Jiribam, Manipur, by suspected Kuki terrorists.

The peaceful protest held at a public place within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, was a solemn tribute to the victims, who were brutally kidnapped, tortured, raped, and murdered in a series of violent attacks that have sparked outrage across India and beyond. Among the victims was an 8-month-old baby, whose tragic killing deeply affected the community.

The demonstrators, many of whom were descendants of Manipuri origin, gathered in the Central Park, Kharghar in an emotionally charged atmosphere. With placards reading "Bring the Manipur Baby Killers to Justice”, “Protect the Innocents—Stop Targeting Women and Children," “Save Manipur from Armed Terrorists,” and "Resolve the Manipur Conflict Soon", participants stood in unity to demand accountability and justice for the families of the victims.

The protestors held candles in remembrance of the deceased, and moments of silence were observed as a mark of respect for the lives lost in the heinous acts.

Candle Light Solidarity Vigil at Mumbai

Manipur has been gripped by ethnic tensions, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which have escalated over the past few months. The kidnapping and gruesome murders in Jiribam have further exacerbated the volatile situation, leading to widespread calls for an end to the violence and peace in the region.

As the violence continues to unfold in Manipur, the residents of Mumbai, who have long maintained ties with their home state, are sending a message of peace and justice. Through this demonstration, they hope to raise awareness and encourage meaningful international intervention to restore peace and protect the rights of civilians in conflict zones.

The protest ended peacefully with the participants chanting "Long Live Manipur” and “Peace for Manipur" and pledging to continue their efforts to express solidarity with the people of Manipur who are struggling for survival in their own homeland.

Such demonstration for solidarity is in sync with similar initiatives in Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Silchar, Agartala, Seoul, and other places where the Manipuri diaspora came together in unity against the heinous crimes against their community in Manipur.

Candle Light Solidarity Vigil at Mumbai