Meiteis in America hold peace demonstrations
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 12 2023: Association of Meiteis in the Americas (AMA) organised day-long peace demonstrations in San Francisco, California on July 9 and in Austin, Texas on June 25 to raise aware ness about the ongoing violent conflict in Manipur.

During the demonstrations, Manipuri women dressed in traditional attire (Phanek) carried placards with messages such as "End The Violence", "Save Manipur", " National Security Matters, Protect the Integrity of Manipur", "Ho Ima Manipur, Nang gumbi leite Ima" and "Disarm for peace", highlighting the urgency and importance of addressing the conflict and its impact on the people of Manipur.

The demonstrations attracted attendees from Meitei families across California and Texas, who actively engaged with the local communities to provide background information on the crisis and its consequences.

They informed and educated the public about the violence, which began 67 days ago on May 3 .

By organizing these demonstrations in prom inent locations, such as the San Francisco City Hall and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, as well as in front of the Texas Capitol Building in Austin, the AMA advocated for immediate action to end violence, address the crisis, and bring attention to the pressing issues that impede rehabilitation and return to normalcy.

The violence in Manipur has had devastating consequences, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in independent India's history.

Over 140 lives have been lost, and more than 50,000 individuals have been displaced.

Farmers are unable to cultivate their lands, exacerbating the risk of famine among the most vulnerable populations.

During the peace demonstration, AMA members held a traditional Meitei ceremony to honour the fallen victims and expressed solidarity with those affected by the violence.

The AMA then issued the following calls to action - unite as one voice for all Meiteis, CSOs, and interest groups; establishment of a foundation for peace, with an immediate end to the violence; disarmament of armed groups and halt to the illicit flow of arms from Myanmar; ensuring secure conditions for farmers and daily wage earners to work and survive; and reopening and resumption of education for displaced children.

The Association also urged all individuals, organisations, government bodies, and the media concerned to join their efforts in bringing attention to the plight of the people of Manipur and supporting initiatives that foster peace, stability, and justice in the region.

It further requested all media outlets to investigate facts and combat the spread of fake news diligently.

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