'Forum for Restoration of Peace Manipur is not working in partisan manner'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 17 2024:
The Forum for Restoration of Peace, Manipur (FRPM) has categorically asserted that the Forum is not working in a partisan manner and has engaged all its effort to bring a semblance of peace in the State.
This was stated by Ashang Kasar, convenor, FRPM, in response to an open letter released by "Kuki-Zo Volunteers" on January 16 reportedly accusing Nagas of aligning with Meiteis.
Addressing the media at Manipur Press Club today, the FRPM convenor decried the open letter which went viral on social media and allegedly threatened the Naga community accusing them of "speaking against the Kuki Zo community at every opportunity given by the Meiteis" .
Denying any act of siding with Meiteis, Ashang Kasar stated that in any of the preceding panel discussion on electronic media/TV, he never challenged the Kuki-Zo brethren.
Instead, he was just exercising his freedom of speech and expression based on truths and historical facts to air his views, comments and analysis over the prevailing volatile situation in the State.
Stating that the Forum has no ill-will against the Kuki-Chin-Zo brethren, Ashang Kasar decried the use of "Tangkhuls" by the "Kuki-Zo Volunteers" in their open letter.
Expressing strong opposition to the levelling of threats, he urged the Kuki Zo community to look into the matter while maintaining that the Forum will also contact the relevant department to address the issue.
Meanwhile a joint statement issued by Islam Makakcha and Athon Gangmei, co-convenors, FRPM has claimed that the content of the open letter does not have even an iota of truth in it.
FRPM has thus made a fervent appeal to the Kuki-Zo-Mizo brethren not to drag the name of the Tangkhul Naga tribe into this issue as it will unnecessarily spiral into misunderstanding and conflict in the future.