Call for peace & unity continue to pour in
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 05 2023: Expressing dismay over the recent turn of events which have posed a serious threat to bond of brotherhood and harmony among the communities residing in the State, many individual, organisations and groups have appealed to all the people of Manipur to come together for a peaceful solution.

President of Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland), Azang Rongmei has asserted that communal harmony and peaceful co-existence can be restored through collective efforts of all sections of the society residing in Manipur.

In an exclusive interview with DIPR, Azang Rongmei stated that since time immemorial, people of all ethnic communities reside together as brothers and sisters with love & care for one another in Manipur.

"Due to some misunderstandings, ethnic clashes erupted from the evening of May 3, 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

During this unrest, many lives were lost and injured, many public and private properties were destroyed and the normal lives of all the people were highly affected", he added.

He also informed that a memorandum has already been submitted to Union Home Minister for restoration of peace in the State and bring amicable solutions at the earliest.

"Our sincere appeal to the people of Meitei and Kuki communities is to forgive and forget so that we may continue to live together like before as one.

Clashes between communities will not bring any form of development in the society, rather it will be a loss for both sides.

So, let us all resolve for peaceful coexistence", he added.

Meanwhile, expressing his gratitude to the Union Home Minister for his concerted effort to bring back peace in Manipur, Multiple Mr World titleholder Arambam Boby said, "The 3-day visit of Union Home Minister is a very welcoming move from the part of the Centre to bring back peace in Manipur.

It's appreciable that he met the CSO leaders and common people from both the communities and heard their grievances.

I am hopeful and have high expectations from him in his next visit, which he said will come after ten days, that a proper and final decision to ensure peace will be made" .

Talking to DIPR, Arambam Body mentioned that the Government's mission to destroy poppy plantation and poppy trade in Manipur along with the stringent actions taken against the influx of militants from Myanmar to the State were the main factors for the series of violence in Manipur.

Highlighting that the present conflict is not between Hindus & Christians, he opined that the civic disturbance was caused by misunderstandings between two communities.

In a release, Yelhoungeigi Apunba Shaktam (YAS) has asserted that the civic disturbance in the State which began with a conflict between two communities of Manipur has now turned into a war-like situation with terrorists from foreign countries joining the attack against indigenous people of Manipur.

Pointing out that the attacks carried out by terrorist from foreign countries on Indian' soil is a threat to National Security, YAS stated that it is high time for the Central Government to clear up the misunderstanding that the violence was caused by Meetei/Meitei community's ST Demand and take appropriate action to uphold and protect the sovereignty & integrity of India.

Stating that indigenous communities of Manipur have been suffering due to the month-long conflict, YAS appealed to all the indigenous communities of the State to come together to bring long lasting peace in Manipur.

Appreciating the new DGP of Manipur Rajiv Singh, YAS expressed hope that the DGP will carry out his duties considering the culture & history of the State.

Besides, Khundrakpam Kendra Youths Organisation (KHUKYO) has launched a mobilization drive under the theme, "Future of Indigenous people" to protect the indigenous people of Manipur from the threat of external aggressors.

In a release, KHUKYO informed that the mobilization drive was carried out by a team led by KHUKYO president L Sanjit.

Extending solidarity to the people affected by the ongoing conflict, Kangleipak Lamjing Apunba Meiralup (KANGLAMEI) has appealed to all the people of Manipur to come together to fight the anti-social elements threatening the integrity of the State.

In a release, KANGLAMEI also shared the pain & grief of the bereaved families of the victims of the present violence.

Inter-religious & Interfaith Initiative has also appealed to all sides to calm down and shun violence to protect the present & future generations from the terror of this violence.

"We, a collective of different religious & faith traditions in Manipur, cry together with all who have lost their near & dear ones and share the sufferings of many others who are wounded in their hearts, minds and bodies amidst the ongoing violence", said Inter-religious & Interfaith Initiative in a release.

Comment