Social reformer to 'awaken' PM Modi on Manipur crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service / Waari Singbul Network

Imphal, October 04 2024: Trade unionist Dr Babasaheb Pandurang Adhav will be writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other national leaders and chief minister N Biren Singh, calling for restoration of peace in the strife-torn state of Manipur.

Fondly referred to as Baba, Dr Babasaheb, a nonagenarian and working-class hero, expressed his determination not to stay silent while Manipur has been in turmoil for the past 17 months, claimed around 240 lives, forced over 60,000 people to live in relief camps, and left a trail of destruction across the state.

"Given the tense situation besetting Manipur for the last 17 months with no sign of restoration of peace, we will not stay as mute spectators, Baba said during a discussion on the Manipur crisis with a group of senior journalists from the state in Pune on September 30 .

The discussion attended by lawyers and social activists was organised under the aegis of Sarhad, a social, educational and cultural organisation dedicated to welfare of people in conflict-affected border areas.

It was co-hosted by Mahatma Jotirao Phule Samata Pratishthan.

"We want peace to be restored in Manipur.

We will write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Hpme Minister Amit Shah, other Central leaders, and the Chief Minister of Manipur, urging them to make every possible effort for bringing peace to the state as soon as possible," said Dr Babasaheb, who is also a prominent social reformer.

At the meeting, visiting journalists provided details on the protracted conflict in Manipur and government's failure to resolve it to which Dr Babasaheb expressed frustration, and criticised the Prime Minister for not addressing the crisis.

He expressed serious resentment that PM Modi didn't have time to visit Manipur to stop the violence but went to Ukraine as a peace mediator.

Social activist and lawyer Mohan Wadekar echoing Baba's concerns, said: "The PM is neglecting the Manipur crisis.

We will urge him to restore peace and normalcy swiftly".

The visiting journalists included Brojendro Ningombam, K Sarojkumar Sharma and Keisham Yaiphaba.

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