Bodies condemn assault on Rongmei duo, Nagas
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 11 2023: Forum for Restoration of Peace has strongly denounced the assault on two Rongmei women in Bishnupur district on December 8 and three Tangkhuls at Sawombung along Imphal-Ukhrul road on December 3 by miscreants.

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here on Monday, Forum convener Ashang Kasar condemned the acts of assault on Nagas in valley areas by some miscreants amidst the unrest situation in the state.

Expressing that the uncalled for attacks seem to be an attempt to incite hatred among the different communities, he cautioned that such acts of rowdyism will hinder efforts to restore harmonious relationship between the communities.

The convener also appealed to all not to repeat such acts in the future.

Moreover, the assault on a Tamenglong-bound taxi driver for not giving the money demanded was unfortunate, Ashang Kasar denounced, while adding that such acts might widen the chasm between the communities concerned.

He also called upon the government to look into these incidents at the earliest and punish the culprits stringently as continuation of the same might not only be detrimental in building trust with the Nagas residing in Imphal but also has the potential to create unprecedented situation in Naga-dominated districts.

While urging CSOs to look into the matter so as to prevent recurrence of such unfortunate acts, he exhorted every community for maintaining peace and communal harmony.

Meanwhile, Zeliangrong United Committee Manipur Valley, Zeliangrong Civil Organisations (ZCOs) and Naga People's Union, in separate releases, condemned the incident of harassing and beating up of two Rongmei girls in Bishnupur without any fault of theirs by some miscreants and Meira Paibis of the area.

The girls, both residents of Thingpui (Laimanai) village which is located around 3 km away from Shantipur, are serving as wardens at Loyola School, Bishnupur.

While returning from the school, they were stopped by Meetei volunteers at Shantipur village and handed them over to Meira Paibis of Ningthoukhong.

After having verified their identities, the Meira Paibis arranged a vehicle to drop them to their school but instead they were taken to a community hall at Bishnupur Bazaar, where the two were beaten mercilessly.

After a long ordeal, the Father of Loyola School came and rescued the two girls, they recounted, while urging everyone to exercise maximum restraint and caution while dealing with non-conflicting communities as such incident may create unnecessary misunderstanding among the indigene brethren.

The Zeliangrong people have already stated their neutrality position very clear on several times in public domain but it is unfortunate that some irresponsible people are trying to drag the neutral communities into the ongoing conflict which is an unwise attempt which should be avoided.

The conflicting parties in particular should acknowledge the fact that there has to be a neutral group or person in a situation especially the present conflict for the sake of good for all, the two organisations said.

Similar incidents of physical assault and harassment were meted out to two boys from Tamenglong in Kakching district, same number of boys from Tamei area at Sekmai and students along with their parents coming down to Imphal from Longmai (Noney) at Patsoi in the recent past.

But considering the volatile nature of the situation prevailing in the state, the Zeliangrong people in particular have been upholding its neutral position thus far, they said, while urging the state and central governments to contain the unrest situation at the earliest possible in order to prove its effectiveness and existence.

Addition assault condemnation
Global Manipur Federation (GMF) also strongly condemned the unruly detention, assault, moral policing, and justice meted out by a mob in Bishnupur to two Rongmei women.

Regrettably, this incident is not an isolated occurrence but adds to a distressing pattern of similar events that are happening increasingly in the state.

Such heinous acts go beyond violating individuals' physical integrity; they undermine the fabric of our society, eroding trust among communities, fostering fear, and sending a chilling message to every woman.

The criminal behaviour by a mob of a few unruly Meiteis is strongly condemned by all members of the Global Manipur Federation, it added.

While informing that Rongmei Women Organisation has extended an invitation to the Meira Paibis of Ningthoukhong for a meeting and reconciliation, the release further appealed to Meitei and Naga, and other communities who have been integral part of the state in ensuring peaceful coexistence in Manipur, fostering mutual respect and understanding to develop a strong community that is safer for all.

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