FOCS president shares thought
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 28 2023:
Grouping of communities based on different political views among the Meiteis, Meitei Pangal and Naga brethren may prove advantageous for others, and it may threaten unity among them, said Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) president Th Manihar.
At the office of the FOCS at Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal, Th Manihar said the communities should exercise caution when dealing with members of each other's community.
Mob justice will not bring any good.
If a member of a community is suspected of doing something wrong and is caught, the leaders and organisations of the community should be informed first before taking any action against the person in custody.
People of any community shouldn't build up mobs and do whatever they deem fit.
Mob action may hurt the sentiments of the other community and hurt the traditional ties, Th Manihar said.
On the other hand, some politicians are believed to be acting solely in the interests of their Constituencies alone when the whole of Manipur is under threat, he said.
Politicians should look beyond their Constituencies.
They shouldn't derail the public efforts to save Manipur.
People, especially youths shouldn't get carried away by such narrow politics.
Everyone should be charged with the common aspiration to save Manipur, he said.
Political parties too shouldn't play blame games and cause confusion to the people, he added.
Instead of playing the blame game and talking bad about one another, all the political parties should come up with ideas to save Manipur, if they really want to save her.
The time is not right for the parties to play politics, Th Manihar said.
He asserted that FOCS can't agree with the claim that normalcy and peace has returned in Manipur.
He alleged that Meitei settlements may come under attack anytime and as such people should remain vigilant.
Ningol Chakkouba is one of the biggest festivals of Manipur.
People, especially sisters and brothers, may have simple meals.
However, considering the tension, people shouldn't celebrate extravagantly.
People should keep in mind the suffering of thousands of people who have been displaced and the sacrifices of our martyrs, he said.
He urged all organisations to work unitedly towards a common goal to save Manipur.