Assam writers, academics rally for Manipur
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 10 2024: Around 230 writers, intellectuals, and prominent citizens from Assam carried out a silent sit-in protest in Guwahati on Tuesday, to express solidarity with the people of Manipur on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.

The protest held at the Guwahati Girls' High School grounds, Chandmari, demanded restoration of peace and normalcy in Manipur, which has been ravaged by ethnic violence since May 2023.The protest was led by the Axom Nagarik Samaj and Bharat Jodo Abhiyaan, Assam along with prominent intellectuals and personalities including Hiren Gohain, Harekrishna Deka, Thomas Menamparampil, Ajit Kumar Bhuyan and Dulal Ch Goswami among others.

In a public appeal, the eminent citizens and activists urged for larger public unity across the country against the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) "misrule" in Manipur and at the Centre.

They accused the BJP of indifference and machinations that have worsened the crisis in the state.

"Manipur has come to this state only because of the machinations and indifference of the ruling party.

There is no guarantee that the tension in Manipur will not spread to other states in the North East," the appeal read.

The signatories highlighted the grim situation in Manipur, where hundreds have lost their lives, and thousands remain displaced, enduring months in relief camps under harsh conditions.

They criticised the central government for its lack of response and noted that the Prime Minister has yet to visit the state or discuss the issue in Parliament.

They also condemned BJP's governance at the Centre, al leging that the party prioritises electoral gains over resolving pressing national issues.

They cited communal hatred, inflation, and unemployment as additional crises plaguing the country under the BJP's rule.

"Manipur is an example of how our country is running, " the appeal stated, urging opposition parties, civil society, and the general public to unite against the government's policies.

The protest registered the growing demand for justice, peace, and normalcy in Manipur, while also calling for national unity to address broader governance concerns, with the participants drawing attention to the plight of Manipur's people and the urgent need for action.

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