MCM celebrates, calls for restoring peace
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 12 2024: Meetei Council Moreh (MCM) celebrated its 30th foundation day at its temporary office in Lamphel, here, on Tuesday and called upon all other communities in the state to take the matter seriously and join hands for restoring peace and normalcy in the state instead of ignoring gravity of the situation on the ground that they are not directly affected by the crisis.

MCM president M Thoiba, advisors N Phulindro and E Kuber, vice-presidents Th Ibungo and L Tomba, and Kha-Nongpok Apunba Nupi Lup Moreh president Th Ibemhal attended the event as members of the dais.

A two-minute silence was observed in memory of deceased members of the council.

Speaking on the occasion, Thoiba expressed disappointment over the Paite community supporting Kukis in the aggression against Meetei in Moreh while recalling how Meeteis under the aegis of Meetei Council Moreh stood for them and relocated them to safer locations outside Moreh when Kukis attacked and killed many of them in the past.

The then MCM general secretary Imobi provided shelter and food to several Paite people in his own house at that time, he reminded.

Since its inception in 1995, the council has been working for peaceful co-existence and mutual respect among different communities, which is known by people of all communities.

The violence perpetrated against Meetei civilians by not only the Kuki militants and narco-terrorists but also the civilians forcing the Meetei residents of the border town to flee their homes was like the re-enactment of the infamous seven years of Burmese occupation of Manipur.

Since then, Meetei residents of the border town have been living in relief camps without any proper source of income and opportunities.

Students are suffering serious setback in education and families are in no position to restart their lives even if the situation returns to normalcy, he said.

Terming as unfortunate that the government did nothing to stop the crisis when it began, the Council president contended that security forces deployed in the area refused to take appropriate measures citing absence of order from higher authorities even when violent mob torched houses right in front of their eyes.

Considering the way the violence started, the way security forces and the government authority reacted and how the government is allowing the crisis to prolong for over 10 months now, there is suspicion of a high-stake geo-politics at play, he remarked.

Thoiba also called upon people of other communities in the state not to remain silent just because they are not directly affected by the crisis.

It is time for all the communities to take a united stand towards restoration of peace and normalcy in the state, and to bring back the time when people of all communities used to live peacefully and in harmony.

He also drew attention of the government towards the hardships and challenges being faced by the people and take up necessary measures to resolve the crisis and restore peace, as well as provide livelihood means to the displaced people.

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