"Festival not appropriate amid volatile situation in Manipur"
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 25 2024: The Committee On Protection & Preservation Of The Historical Rights of Koubru and Thangjing Hill Ranges (CPPKT) has expressed strong reservation over the Manipur Indigenous Peoples Cultural Exchange Festival 2024 which is set to begin from November 29, 2024 at Chadong village.

While acknowledging the sacrifice & contributions made by social activist Ashang Kasar over the years for the welfare of indigenous people of Manipur, the CPPKT said that it was surprised to learn that the forum led by Ashang Kasar is organising a Manipur Indigenous Peoples Cultural Exchange Festival 2024 in the last week of November 2024 amid the volatile situations in the State.

In a release, CPPKT said that more than 60,000 indigenous people have been forced to take shelter at relief camps and over 250 people have been killed in the State due to the prolonged conflict which has been going on for 19 months.

"Even the last rites of the six women and children who were murdered by Kuki Narco terrorists in Jiribam have not been performed", it added.

CPPKT continued that organising a festival in a time when indigenous people of Manipur have been living under constant threat from external forces is not appropriate and will not make them happy.

Furthermore, CPPKT appealed to the Government to consider the gravity of the present situation and take necessary steps in this regard.

Comment