MMAB urges sanity
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 12 2024: While vehemently condemning the violence in Jiribam and urging the State Government to restore order, Manipur Meitei Association, Bangalore (MMAB) has appealed to both the Hmar and Meitei communities to shun violence and maintain their peaceful coexistence.

"Despite the recent violence in Jiribam, let's reaffirm our commitment to peace and harmony.

Together, we can build a future of mutual respect and unity, working towards a brighter tomorrow," it said in a statement.

The MMAB said it is deeply concerned by the ongoing violence in Jiribam, which began with the tragic killing of a Meitei farmer, Soibam Sarat, followed by the burning of more than 70 houses belonging to the Meitei community by Kuki militants in Lamtai Khunou on June 9 .

Historically, Jiribam has been known to be a very peaceful district with diverse communities coexisting harmoniously, even during the ongoing crisis in other parts of Manipur.

The sudden violence in Jiribam warrants scrutiny, as it disrupted the long-standing peace between the Hmar and the Meitei communities.

This situation appears to exclusively favour a specific group aiming to vilify and displace the Meitei community residing in the peripheral areas and which is of significant geopolitical and economic importance, MMAB said.

While immediate action is needed to end the violence and protect the people, it is equally crucial to identify the true instigators and their divisive motives.

Violence has taken place in Meitei inhabited areas only, while Kuki dominated areas remain unaffected, revealing the likely instigators, it added.

Further, the attack on the Chief Minister's convoy by Kuki militants and their demands for the non-deployment of State law enforcement are cowardly acts that further exacerbate the situation.

These actions must be addressed firmly and decisively, it said, putting forth a series of demands to the Government to curb the violence in Jiribam.

MMAB said the Government must immediately send reinforcements to curb the ongoing violence and restore order, and provide protection to Lamtai Khunnou, where houses belonging to the Meitei community have been burned by Kuki militants.

The Government should construct temporary relief camps at Lamtai Khunou and facilitate the return of displaced people to their rightful homes and land, it said.

It further asserted that the Government must take the most stringent action against the perpetrators of violence to avoid similar outbreaks elsewhere.

Also, the Govt must secure the National Highway-37 to Imphal and maintain unimpeded movement for all, it added.

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