CSOs protest at Jantar Mantar, petition PM
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 23 2024:
Sixteen civil society organisations (CSOs) from the state, supported by seven Delhi-based Meetei CSOs, organised a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on Monday, under the theme "Peace and Mutual Coexistence" .
The demonstration was a united effort to urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India to take immediate and decisive action to restore peace, unity, and stability in Manipur, which has been in turmoil since May 3, 2023 .
In a statement, Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee (DMCC), one of the leading groups in the protest, strongly condemned the unlawful detention of Imagi Meira convenor Th Sujata by the Delhi Police, preventing her from participating in the peaceful protest, which the DMCC described as a blatant violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution.
The DMCC criticised such action as an affront to democratic values and the right of citizens to assemble peacefully and express their concerns.
It demanded an immediate explanation and accountability from the Central and state governments, asserting that such arbitrary actions raise serious concerns about the suppression of voices advocating for peace and justice.
During the demonstration, the organisations submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Manipur.
The memorandum described the severe ethnic strife, loss of lives, internal displacement, and violations of international humanitarian laws that have deeply fractured the social fabric and harmony of the state.
The memorandum stressed the urgency of the Prime Minister's intervention to facilitate dialogue, restore peace, and ensure resettlement of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) .
It called for respecting Manipur's historical and political identity while safeguarding its territorial and ethnic integrity.
Concerns were raised about absence of a peace process and failure of the central military forces deployed in the region to effectively protect civilians.
The CSOs highlighted that Manipur was an independent kingdom for thousands of years before its annexation into India in 1949.The state had been a land of relative harmony among its diverse ethnic communities.
However, political tensions, ethnic divisions, and armed conflicts in the post-independence era have disrupted the social fabric.
Since May 3, 2023, the situation has worsened, with internal displacement, crimes against humanity, violations of international humanitarian law, and growing distrust among communities due to "engineered conflict or external aggression against Manipur" .
The memorandum expressed the anguish and disillusionment of the people of Manipur over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the crisis.
For 19 months, Manipur has endured ethnic strife, displacement, and humanitarian trises, yet the Prime Minister has not addressed the state's grievances, raising questions about his commitment to the state's unity and well-being.
The memorandum criticised the irony of the Prime Minister advocating for world peace while remaining silent on the turmoil in Manipur, describing it as a betrayal of tHe people's trust.
The CSOs urged the Prime Minister to fulfil his duty to protect the lives and dignity of the people of Manipur and all citizens of India.
They demanded immediate action to resolve the crisis, including facilitating the resettlement of displaced persons and ensuring their dignified return.
The memorandum suggested that a personal visit by the Prime Minister to engage with affected communities and civil society organisations would demonstrate solidarity and a strong commitment to peace.
The protestors also highlighted the role of central forces, which, instead of stabilising the situation, have exacerbated the conflict, leaving civilians vulnerable and unprotected.
Despite the worsening situation, no peace process has been initiated.
The memorandum asserted that India has failed in its Responsibility to Protect (R2P) the affected population, calling for immediate dialogue, resolution, and decisive leadership.
The demonstration had representatives of organisations such as Committee of Peaceful Coexistence, Manipur (CPCM), Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union (MMTU), Federal Students' Organisation, Kangleipak (FESOK), United Meitei Pangal Committee , (UMPC), Committee on Relief & Rehabilitation (CRR), Kanglei Panas, Yelhoumee Phurup, Apuhba Awonba Manipur Amagidamak (AAMA), All India Tanzeeme Insaaf (AITI), Struggling Women Association (SWA), Imagi Meira, All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs' Organisation (AMMPACO), Youth Collective Manipur (YCM), Nupi Union for Peace and Integrity (NUPI), Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC), and All Manipur Progressive Students' Association (AMPSA) .
Delhi-based CSOs, including the Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee (DMCC), Manipur Students Association Delhi, UNIKAS, Ningols United Progressive Initiative (NUPI), and Liklam Ngakpa, also lent their support.
The CSOs stated that the silence of the government only intensifies the suffering of those affected.
They emphasised that visionary leadership and a genuine commitment to justice are essential to restoring peace and stability in the state.
The memorandum concluded with a call for the Prime Minister to prioritise Manipur crisis, ensure lasting peace and mutual coexistence, and safeguard the state's territorial and ethnic integrity.
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