Ratan Thiyam questions silence of PM
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 10 2023:
The artistes fraternity of Manipur has resolved to fight the demand put up for a separate administration Constitutionally.
Today, the Coordinating Committee on Cultural Fraternity staged a sit-in protest at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen with demands to protect the unity and integrity of Manipur and restore peace in the State.
The protesters held placards with inscriptions such as "No Political Rights to Illegal Immigrants", "Give Up Petty Politics, Love the Motherland", " Protect the Lives of People, Give them Peace", "No Separate Administration" "Long Live Manipur" etc.
Renowned theatre personality Ratan Thiyam claimed that the Centre seems to be treating the people of Manipur as third class citizens.
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The Government is doing nothing to douse the flame in Manipur even though about 100 people have been killed in the course of violence, Ratan Thiyam alleged and maintained that people don't want food supply but restoration of peace.
Why is the Prime Minister still silent when there is complete disorder in the State, he asked and questioned the motives of the Centre.
Speaking to media persons, chairman of the Committee Kangjam Radhakumar said that Manipur has been burning since May 3 but the Prime Minister hasn't made a single comment about the loss of lives, destruction of properties and displacement of thousands of families till today.
Saying that the Indian Government is still listening when the 10 Chin-Kuki MLAs have claimed on numerous occasions that their demand is Constitutionally valid, Radhakumar said that the artists have no other option than to fight the demand Constitutionally.
This is not the time for the artists to remain silent as people at Serou, Pheiyeng, Kangchup are living under extremely unpleasant and frightening situation, Radhakumar said and claimed that it is the influx of illegal foreigners which is causing problems in Manipur.
He further said that they, under the leadership of acclaimed playwright and theatre director Ratan Thiyam, will submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister and meet the President shortly.
Continuing that today's protest demonstration was participated by artistes from both hill and valley districts, he reiterated that the Prime Minister not saying a single word about the violence is disheartening.