'Let mortal remains of displaced people laid to rest at their native place', says UPCC
Source: The Sangai Express
Bishnupur, August 18 2023:
The conflict which first erupted on May 3 last continues to create havoc in the State witnessing wide-scale violence and arson affecting thousands of innocent lives.
Many precious lives have been lost and thousands have been rendered homeless since their homes have been reduced to cinders by the rampant arson across the State compelling them to take refuge in various relief camps.
The suffering of these displaced people seems to be ceaseless as one's desire to let their mortal remains rest in their native land will not be fulfilled owing to the prevailing tense situation.
Considering the wishes of these displaced people, the Unified Peace Co-ordinating Committee (UPCC) appealed to authorities concerned to take up steps to enable the last rites to be conducted at one's native place whenever a displaced person passes away.
The Committee president Ch Rojesh made the above appeal while speaking to media persons during a press meet held at its office at Kumbi Bazar today.
He cautioned that if positive measures are not taken up in this regard by the relevant authorities, they will be compelled to conduct the rites at their own risk.
Citing the heartbreaking incident of passing away of RK Khoibi yesterday, an inmate of Kumbi relief camp who was a native of Torbung Bangla, Rojesh said that it is unfortunate that last rites were held in Kumbi and not in the deceased's native land.
Reacting against the Government's statement that the situation is getting normal and peaceful, Rojesh said that if the situation was normal then the displaced people would have been allowed to resettle at their native places.
He further informed that certain resolutions have been taken in this regard by the inmates of the relief camp which include allowing them to perform the last rites at one's native place when a displaced person passes away and the Government should bear the expense of the rites.
If the above resolutions are not fulfilled, then the Unified Peace Co-ordinating Committee will lead in marching to the places concerned and will stage intense agitation in association with CSOs of the State and the public, he added.
In view of the above, Rojesh urged the Government to look into this matter and take up positive measures.
Further he appealed to all sections of the public to attend the joint meeting of Kumbi AC to be held on August 20, 2023 .