FOCS denounces Ngangkhalawai incident
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 31 2024: Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Manipur has strongly condemned the incident of assault on Giangjilung Rongmei s/o Borouhao Rongmei and Jeanguanglung Malangmei s/o Pouguilung Malangmei at Moirang Ngangkhalawai in Bishnupur district on January 29 evening.

According to a release issued by its secretary (Information and Public Relations), FOCS expressed regret over the physical assault and robbery of two members of the Rongmei community at Ngangkhalawai around 5pm on January 29.Highlighting occurrence of similar incidents in the past, the Federation raised suspicions of some groups intentionally scheming to subvert the harmony among the ethnic communities.

Such incidents are directly destroying the 'Idea of Manipur', it said, while demanding all concerned to return the items "confiscated" during the incident.

Stressing the need for concerted efforts to prevent such incidents in the future, the Federation urged all those checking movement of people to prevent unwanted incidents to first contact the respective community leaders to verify/clear any suspicious activity by members of the community concerned.

FOCS also emphasised the importance of properly identifying who is the enemy and who is our indigenous siblings in the on-going conflict, so as to uphold and affirm the 'Idea of Manipur'.

It further urged local clubs, Meira Paibi groups and civil society organisations to take measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The volunteers also need to be advised on what to do and what not to do during this conflict.

It then appealed to all concerned not to communalise and blow the Ngangkhalawai incident out of proportion.

Comment