CCSA asks CSOs, tribe bodies not to join Peace Committee
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 12 2023:
Newly formed Core Committee on Separate Ad-ministration (CCSA) has issued directive to civil society organi-sations (CSOs), tribe bodies and individuals not to participate in the Peace Committee formed by the Government of India.
In a statement, CCSA wel-comed formation of the Peace Committee under chairper - sonship of the Governor and conveyed that harmony and peaceful coexistence have al-ways been the deepest desires of the Zomi, Kuki, Hmar, and Mizo communities in Manipur.
While appreciating the gov-ernment's peace initiative, the committee pointed out that as justice is an essential pre-requisite for achieving lasting peace, the principles of justice and adherence to the rule of law to safeguard the historical, political, and human rights of the Zomi, Kuki, Hmar, and Mizo communities will automatically pave the way for peace.
The communities repre-sented by the Core Commit-tee have long been victims of political, social, and economic injustices, oppression, and ex-ploitation as Indian citizens in the state of Manipur.
The on-going state-sponsored ethnic cleansing targeting these com-munities is seen as a distressing manifestation of their long-term subjugation, only scratching the surface of the deep-rooted issues.
In this context, the com-mittee reminded the govern-ment of India and the Governor of Manipur that "peace is not just the absence of violence but more of the presence of justice." However, despite justice being a prerequisite for peace, the committee expressed deep distress over the continuous attacks on their villages, the rising incidence of house bum-ings, and the brutal murders of innocent individuals, including women and children, with im-punity.
Students are scattered, churches are burned and des-ecrated, institutions have been crumbled, and representatives are rendered powerless and voiceless, it added.
While the desire for peace re-mains strong, discussing peace in the midst of ongoing violence, exploitation, and oppression is seen as a futile exercise by the committee.
Moreover, the inclusion of N Biren, whom the CCSA considers the main perpetrator of this violence, as a member of the Peace Com-mittee is viewed as an insult to the Zomi, Kuki, Hmar, and Mizo communities.
Consequently, the Core Committee directed all CSOs, tribe bodies, and individuals not to participate in the Peace Committee.
It also appealed to the Government of India to prioritise the historical, po-litical, socio-economic, and human rights of the Zomi, Kuki, Hmar and Mizo communities, so that the process of peace can be initiated.