IFPH appeals to Govt to end violence
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 08 2024:
In view of the fresh tensions in Jiribam, Interfaith Forum for Peace and Harmony (IFPH) has appealed to all concerned to immediately stop and desist from all kinds of targeted violence between communities who have live together so far.
In a statement released to the press by its convenor Deben Bachaspatimayum, the Forum expressed deep pain and anguish on the recent eruption of violence resulting in loss of precious lives and burning of houses in the adjoining areas of Jiri-Tamenglong districts.
As such, it appealed to all concerned to immediately stop and desist from all kinds of targeted violence between communities, while further appealing to both the central and state governments to ensure stoppage of the violence and protecting the lives of all citizens in the state as part of their Constitutional duty.
Stating that this has been a calling of many civil societies, women, and children across communities and the interfaith forum for over a year, the Forum expressed firm belief that the state will respond to its duty.
"We believe, any responsible leaders on both sides of conflict would want to leave behind their children in safer and peaceful environment and thus would make all possible efforts to immediately stop all kinds of targeted violence and hate campaigns to save their children from future dangers.
It is time leadership in the government and across communities start seeking non-violent options including neutral third-party interventions to resolve the conflicts in the interests of thousands of children across the communities," it asserted.
"Violence, like a double-edged sword, can cut both sides down below the human capacities and dignity", IFPH contended, adding that based on historical evidence, violence does not solve any problem when there are alternative non-violent ways and means of solving problems and resolving conflicts.
"Violence is, therefore, against the will of God each of one of us believe and for the future of children who deserve safe and peaceful world to live.
We, therefore, once again, ardently appeal all leaders on both sides of the conflict, and the central and state governments to immediately stop all kinds of targeted violence and hate campaigns between communities, and ensure lives of all citizens are protected, and inclusive peace processes are initiated at the earliest," it stated.