Commemoration events, protest demonstrations by displaced victims mark one year of Manipur conflict
Source: The Sangai Express

Bpr/Jbm/Kak/Tbl, May 03 2024: To mark the completion of one year of the violent conflict which erupted in the State on May 3, 2023, commemoration events and protest demonstrations were held widely across the State by different organizations.

Ever since the eruption of the tragic ethnic conflict on May 3 last year, Manipur has been in turmoil leading to a plethora of unprecedented violence rocking the State causing immense pain and suffering to its people since the past one year.

Denouncing the atrocities of the Kuki narco-terrorists upon the indigenous Meiteis, Ningthoukhong Protection Committee observed the '1st Black Day' under the theme 'One year of Manipur Tragedy and role of Government of India' at Oknarel Shanglen, Ningthoukhong today.

The observance was attended by former Chairperson Ningthoukhong Municipal Council, Kangabam Mani Singh; Ningthoukhong Protection Committee president Laishram Gouragopal Singh and functional president of Ningthoukhong Protection Committee Women's Wing RK Tombisana Devi as the presidium members.

As a part of the programme, Head of Department of South East Asian Studies, Manipur University, Professor Chinglen Maisnam and Professor of Department of Political Science, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) Dr Homen Thangjam spoke as resource persons and gave valuable insights on the prevailing tense situation in Manipur, its impact on the social and economic status of the State and the role of its people amid these challenging times.

Meanwhile, the displaced survivors who have been rendered homeless by the conflict and are taking refuge in various relief camps across Bishnupur district carried out protest demonstrations at different locations today demanding resettlement at their respective native lands and an amicable resolution for the ongoing conflict.

The displaced womenfolk taking shelter at Old DC Complex Bishnupur relief camp staged a sit-in protest in front of the Bishnupur Forest Gate demanding immediate settlement measures.

The protestors used placards which read as 'Our Land Our Rights', 'Revoke SoO', 'We want Justice', 'Immediate Settlement Compensation', 'Provide Livelihood Jobs' etc.

In view of the immense suffering and loss inflicted upon the displaced victims ever since the outbreak of the violence, the protestors expressed dismay that their voice and demand remain unheard and are left in a pitiable state since the Government has failed in addressing their issues.

Expressing their frustration over the year long pain experienced by them, the displaced people asked the Government to 'Kill them all so as to put an end to their suffering rather than letting them lead a meaningless life' .

It may be noted that similar protests were also held at Shanti Bazar Leimaram by the displaced survivors from Churachandpur and Waroiching taking refuge at Girls Hostel, Leimaram and Leimaram Govt High School respectively jointly organised by Leimaram Yaipha Lamjing Lup and Leimaram Heinoubok Waroiching Women's Joint Committee; at Moirang College B Block Relief Camp by the displaced survivors sheltered at the relief camp opened at Block A and B in Moirang College campus under the aegis of Churachandpur Meitei Ethnic Clash Victim Committee and at Khoyol Keithel relief camp, Moirang Lamkhai.

In line with the completion of one year of conflict, Thinungei Defence Committee and Thinungei Apunba Meira Paibi Lup observed '1st Yelhoumee Meekap Thokpa Numit' ( Awakening day of indigenous people) at Thinungei Bazar.

Kakching

Voicing the demand to take up concrete measures for resettlement of displaced victims, a mass protest was staged at Naohal Lai Lampak, Kakching Keithel today by displaced individuals currently taking refuge at six different relief camps in Kakching District Headquarters.

Expressing their plights, the protestors called for immediate measures to end the suffering of the people.

Thoubal

Manipur Solidarity Day was widely observed in Thoubal district today reaffirming to protect the unity and integrity by fighting against the aggressors trying to disintegrate Manipur.

The day was observed under the aegis of Thoubal And Kakching District Apunba Lup (TAKDAL) and Thoubal Apunba Lup (TAL).

Holding candlelight vigil was the main highlight of the observance paying homage to the martyrs of the Manipur crisis.

The candlelight vigils were held at different locations including Thoubal Wangmataba Sorok Makha by the meira paibis of the region; Charangpat by Apunba Meira Paibi Lup and SEDO Yairipok Bazar among other places.

Separately, a commemoration event was held at Thoubal Leishangthem Bazar community hall and resolutions were taken to urge the Central and State Government to resolve the prevailing crisis and expedite resettlement measures for the conflict survivors staying at relief camps.

To mark the one year of the Manipur crisis, the Manipuri Elders' Consortium Shillong (MECS) paid floral tributes to the departed souls in the unprecedented Manipur conflict today at Phunga Heritage, Shillong.

The members gathered to pay rich obeisance to the fallen heroes and prayed for normalcy and peace to return at the earliest.

Similarly, World Meetei Council (WMC) Jiribam observed 'Global Solidarity against Trifecta of illegal immigration, poppy cultivation for illicit drug trade and kuki militancy, Land apartheid against the Meeteis, Denial of ST status to Meeteis and Ethnic cleansing of Meeteis.

The observance which was held at Smart Society, Jiribam mini auditorium was attended by former Minister A Biren Singh; Advisor WMC Jiribam Sanasam Lalmani; President WMC Jiribam Y Ashok Kumar Singh as the presidium members.

The gathering prayed for restoration of peace and normalcy in Manipur by ending the ongoing communal conflict which has impacted the State tremendously.

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