Urgent Call for Solidarity in Manipur
- 11th April 2024 : Wesean Student Federation (WSF) -
*
In the wake of escalating tensions between the Kukis and Meiteis in Manipur, the Wesean Student Federation (WSF) issues a heartfelt plea for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to unity and harmony among all communities. The history of Kangleipak (Manipur) is deeply intertwined with the courageous contributions of both the Kuki and Meitei communities.
It is through these acts of solidarity and kinship that the bonds between our communities were forged, standing as a testament to the strength of our collective spirit.
Today, as tensions threaten to tear apart the fabric of our society, we must remember that no one is a refugee or illegal in our homeland. The real refugees are those who have overstayed their welcome with the Inner Line Permit (ILP), while the real militants/illegals are the armed forces who act with impunity against innocent civilians.
We must also recognize the insidious agenda of fringe forces seeking to sow division and discord in our beloved Northeast, especially as elections loom on the horizon. Northeast has never succumbed to communal violence, and we must stand united against any attempts to tarnish our legacy of peace and harmony.
WSF vehemently opposes any form of bloodshed and calls upon all people to reject violence and embrace unity. We stand in solidarity against the fencing of the eastern border, which encroaches upon our rights and threatens the very essence of our homeland. The Kabaw Valley rightfully belongs to Kangleipak, and any attempt to redraw borders is an affront to our rights and dignity.
WSF also condemns all individuals masquerading as Meiteis or Kukis online to score political brownie points or incite religious hatred. Such actions only serve to deepen divisions and undermine the fabric of our society.
Furthermore, we staunchly advocate for the repeal of the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which has inflicted untold suffering upon our people. Let us not forget the countless Kukis who
have fallen victim to its indiscriminate violence.
Kangleipak belongs to its native sons and daughters, and we must not allow divisive forces to tear us asunder.
Therefore, we call upon all Kangleipak natives to observe a day of silence from 12 pm to 3 pm on April 15 as a solemn reminder of our shared heritage and commitment to unity.
Although we aren’t seeking to enforce it like other student organisations, we strongly recommend observing the day of silence as a respectful tribute to those who perished in the violence, alongside emphasizing unity and brotherhood amongst Kukis and Meiteis.
Let us rise above the cacophony of discord and embrace each other as we seek to define our rich tapestry of shared cultures, linguistics and traditions. Together, we can build a brighter future for Kangleipak,
grounded in peace, justice, and solidarity.
United as one, let's always remember our unity
* This info was provided to e-pao.net by Wesean Student Federation (WSF) who can be contacted at weseanstudentfederation(AT)proton(DOT)me
This article was posted on 11 April 2024 .
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