Role of indigenous folks deliberated at Hyderabad meet
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 22 2023:
Hyderabad Manipuri Society (HYMS) today held a public convention to discuss the prevailing crisis in Manipur at Ibrahim Bagh in Hyderabad.
Bimol Akoijam, Associate Professor, JNU; social activists, Ashang Kasar and Rohan Philem were the main speakers at the convention which was held on the theme "Role of indigenous communities and youths, a way forward" .
Speaking at the event, Bimol Akoijam said many National media outlets had repeatedly manipulated and presented false narratives of the crisis which erupted on May 3, 2023 .
The National media outlets, through their highly manipulated news reports had branded Meiteis as perpetrators of the crisis.
To everyone's disappointment, interviews and opinions contradicting their reports were selectively censored or ignored, he observed.
|
He also cited an example of an interview aired on a National media channel where the interviewee depicted that the crisis first erupted at Imphal and the same version of the story was widely carried out in local dailies.
He also pointed out differential coverage pattern of victim stories by National media outlets by identifying and emphasising on one community while leaving Meitei victims anonymous.
Bimol also cautioned social media users to not indulge in fabricating posts to counter fake and fabricated news floated by some vested groups.
Responding with factual information instead of remanufacturing lies is a must, he said.
Regarding the topography of the State, Bimol said that Manipur is classified as a hill State by the Planning Commission.
However, Meiteis and even the State Government seem to be unaware of this and continue to accept the hill and valley division, he said.
In his speech, Ashang Kasar lamented the State's and Central Government's failure to contain the crisis after more than 3 and half months.
He also highlighted the lack of commitment and seriousness on the part of the Governments.
The Prime Minister gave a lengthy speech in response to a no confidence motion in the Parliament on August 10 but did not even care to speak about Manipur for 5 minutes, he said while adding that it was very unexpected of him.
On the theme, Ashang Kasar maintained that a wholesome Manipur can only be achieved when indigenous communities join hands and present a united force.
To push Manipur forward to the path of advancement, redeveloping lost bonds and fraternity and collective effort are must, he added.
Questioning the Centre's failure to tackle the crisis despite heavy deployment of Central armed forces, he also highlighted the need to press the Central Government.
The gathering also paid respect to all deceased persons in the wake of the communal clash by observing one-minute silence.
They also staged a protest demonstration by displaying placards inscribed with "Equal rights to all, equal opportunity to all", "Truth will triumph", "One State, one administration", "Save Manipur", "Infiltration Hatao, Bharat Bachao" .