Many express concern over violence in State, call for restraint
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 07 2023: Expressing concern over the ongoing conflict in Manipur, many organisations and groups have appealed to all the communities residing in the State to refrain from any form of violence and come together for a peaceful solution.

In a release, Manipuri Association of Canada (MAC) said, "We, the Manipuri residing in Canada, far from our beloved homeland, strongly condemned the arson & violence and the total breakdown of the State law & order machinery in Manipur" .

The association stated that the events which led to the chain of this avoidable violence have caused immense suffering to the Meetei and Kuki communities.

"What is surprising to most of us is the false narrative being spread on social media by the perpetrators, including well-known News channels which are tantamount to partisan reporting", it added.

Sharing that the Meeteis has always been a good host, accommodating various ethnic and religious groups in the Imphal valley, and have been living together for a long time, MAC appealed to the indigenous Meeteis and the Kukis to immediately halt all forms of violence and come to the table.

The association also urged the Central and State Government to address the key issues and the bone of contention which was kept on the back burner, so that future avoidable misconceptions leading to such nefarious activities can be prevented.

MAC further urged the Government to resolve the ST demand of the Meeteis; put an end to the unchecked illegal influx of migrants from the neighboring country/countries which is causing a disturbing change in the demography of the State; stop the unchecked mass deforestation of protected, desecration of the traditional sacred lands of the indigenous people and mass poppy cultivation on these deforested reserve lands on a war footing and not a mere lip service; Immediately provide shelter and other basic amenities to all displaced affected communities; provide security to all vulnerable people in both the valley and the hills; punish the perpetrators to restore people's trust which is very thin presently seeing the reality on the ground; provide all measures to restore peace, harmony & tranquility in the State; and ensure that no false narratives are spread on social media by certain yellow journalist pundits, especially of some big media houses of India.

Extending its heartfelt sympathy and condolences to those who are at the receiving end of the violence, Federal Students' Organisation, Kangleipak (FESOK) has appealed to all parties to show proper restraint & control, and protect the life of civilians.

In a release, FESOK also urged the Government to open relief camps to provide shelter to the people who have been displaced by the ongoing conflict.

The organisation also requested the Government to deploy additional forces in sensitive areas to prevent further violence between the two communities.

FESOK further urged all the MLAs to work together to restore peace and harmony in the State.

European Manipuri Association (EMA) has appealed to all the parties involved to exercise restraint and refrain from resorting to violence or any other form of destructive behaviour which only will lead to more suffering and hardship.

"We, the EMA, are deeply saddened and alarmed by the current crisis in Manipur.

It is heart-wrenching to see our own communities turning against each other", said EMA in a release.

"There are grievances and disagreements that need to be addressed but we believe that these can be resolved by understanding each other through empathetic peaceful dialogue and negotiation", it added.

EMA called on the Government of Manipur and all the other stakeholders to take immediate steps to restore calm and prevent further escalation of the situation.

"Let us come together and work towards a peaceful and just resolution", it added.

Expressing concern over the prevailing violence in the State, Korea Manipuri Association (KMA) has also appealed to all stakeholders to rise above division and engage in open & honest dialogue to find sustainable solution.

Meanwhile, SK Ningombam, president Ema Leibak Yenhoumee Kanba Lup, today chaired a meeting at the community hall in Mayel Lambi Hayel Uchiwa to deliberate about the ongoing conflict in the State.

The meeting urged the Government to evacuate the people who have been stranded at various places, deploy paramilitary forces in affected areas to protect civilians and provide necessary aid to the people who have been displaced by the conflict and presently staying at relief camps.

Comment