Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, July 13:
The Manipuri Students� Federation has appealed to all sections of the people to stay away from all kinds of works and duties on July 18 to commemorate the June 18 CRPF firing on protestors, which claimed 14 lives and caused injury to many others, and to light up candles at every household at 7 pm on the same day as a mark of respect to the 15 martyrs and for peace of their souls.
On the other hand, the MSF expressed serious doubts that the Government of India would completely withdrawn the ceasefire with NSCN (IM) from Manipur, taking into account the nature of the dilemma the government is in now.
It speculated that between the democratic people of Manipur and the NSCN (IM) up in arms, the government would instinctively prefer to offend the less aggressive one.
In this regard, the people of Manipur should stick to their stand, no matter what, said the MSF.
Pointing out that the NDA government has, since it came to power, carved out three new states to warm the cockles of its constituent allies� hearts, the MSF has raised alarm that Manipur might become another scapegoat of the government�s similar expedient.
At the same time, the MSF has also expressed wonder as to what might have prompted many ethnic groups in the state to sacrifice their roots and distinct identities and come up claiming to be Nagas and clamoring for the ceasefire extension.