Mob lynching: DAMMS with 26 orgs organise protest rally, NEFIS submits memo to CM
Source: The Sangai Express

New Delhi, September 18 2018: DAMMS in association with26 other academic, social and political organisations organised a protestrally and formed human chain against the brutal mob lynching of Md Farooque Khan in Imphal, at Arts Faculty, Delhi University, North campus yesterday.

The rally addressed general issues of mob lynching and stereotyping against Pangals in which around 350 people representing various progressive organisations participated.

Several speakers including president of DAMMS, Kheiruddin Shah, National secretary of SIO Azhar, vice president of MSAD Furkan Makakmayum, NEFIS member, Chinglen Khumukcham, academic advisor of DAMMS, Himat Tampakmayum, NESA advisor Miraj Shah among others spoke on the issue and called for a united movement against die oppression and discrimination faced by minorities in Manipur.

The protest concluded with a signature campaign where more than 400 signatures were collected.

On the other hand, DAMMS in its statement, strongly condemned the mob lynching of Md Farooque Khan in Tharoijam village, under Patsoi police station, Imphal West, on September 13.Farooque Khan, reportedly was a proprietor of a startup company - Palem Foods Pvt Ltd.

During die wee hours of the unfortunate day, the locals of Tharoijam lynched Md Farooque Khan on an unestablished accusation of vehicle theft.

Meanwhile, DAMMS has urged the media houses to maintain the professional ethics of journalism while stating that the media has failed to report the incident on an unbiased manner.

Alleging that Pangals (Manipuri Muslims) are often stereotyped as 'thieves', the statement added that the community has not been in the position to have any medium of making up a counter narrative based on reason and truths.

It further called for unity of all sections of progressive institutions against hatred, communalism, stereotyping, chauvinism, prejudice and oppression and prayed for die end of all forms of hate crime and mob lynching in Manipur.

On the other hand, North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) activists submitted a memorandum to Cm N Biren yesterday, and sought speedy action against the accused involved in mob lynching case.

Earlier, NEFIS organized a candle light vigil at North Campus, DU against communal clashes and mob lynching, said a statement issued by NEFIS convening committee member.

In the memorandum, NEFIS has demanded strict action against the culprits to ensure justice for the deceased and demanded to enact an act aimed to protect the minorities in the State.

NEFIS appealed the Govt to take mob lynching and communal clashes seriously which destroy the social fabric of the region.

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