Gaikhangam calls for end to violence
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 02 2023:
AICC Working Committee Mem-ber and former Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has called for an end to the 5 months old violent conflict in Manipur.
The veteran Congress leader made the call as he addressed Mahatma Gandhi's 154th birth anniversary and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri's 119th birth anniversary observation at Congress Bhavan today.
Congress leaders and workers paid floral tributes to a statue of Mahatma Gandhi and photo of Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Remembering the Father of the Nation, the former Deputy Chief Minister said Mahatma Gandhi used Ahimsa (non-violence) and truth as weapons to fight the mighty British for India's freedom.
The present generation of people should remember the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and practise them to bring harmony and unity amid diversity, he said.
"Manipur has been filled with the cries of the people and is marred with violence and killings.
We must all shun violence, end enmity among ourselves to bring about a solution to the issue and bring peace," said Gaikhangam.
He said the failure in State administration has encouraged violence to conti- nue.
Even after completion of 5 months, the Government has failed to bring peace.
The crisis could have ended had the State and the Central Government taken up sincere efforts.
It was the failure of those people in power that has landed Manipur in this turmoil, he said.
He said dialogues must be held with the representation of both the warring communities to bring peace.
"Manipur is for all of us.
Let's shun violence," he added.
Gaikhangam continued that the Congress party has been supporting all efforts to bring peace in Manipur and it will continue to take up all efforts to end the violence.
"The people of Manipur are suffering severely.
Don't let the people suffer more.
The Government must take actions to address the issues sincerely," he said.
The former Deputy CM said it is not known whether Article 355 has been enforced in Manipur or not.