Folks raise unite call in one voice
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 03 2023:
Even as the violence in Manipur entered its fourth month, thousands of youth have given a three day ultimatum to civil society organisations (CSOs) and the elected representatives to make public their collective stand and convene another session of the State Assembly as soon as possible.
The meeting organised by Youth of Manipur which is a Whatsapp group at Khongman Atom Leirak was participated by thousands of youth who expressed their resentment against the alleged failure of the CSOs and the MLAs to face the problem besieging Manipur unitedly.
The gathering also took several resolutions after sharing their views and insight pertaining to the ongoing crisis.
They resolved to mount pressure on the CSOs and the MLAs to make public their collective stand on Manipur violence and convene another session of the State Assembly as soon as possible to face the problem in Manipur politically.
The gatherings also urged the MLAs to provide compensation to the families of those who were either killed or injured in the violence from their respective Constituencies and to persuade the Government to replace Assam Rifles with a neutral Central security force.
The meeting forewarned the CSOs and the MLAs to accept whatever actions taken up against them by the youth of Manipur if they fail to heed the demand.
One of the protesters said that they will submit a copy of each of the resolutions to COCOMI, FOCS, AMUCO and other CSOs of the State.
Saying that mushrooming of organisations and placing their own version of agenda has confused the civilians, he said that unity among the CSOs is indispensable to save Manipur and her people as both the Centre and the Manipur Government have failed to douse the flame.
He went on to state that the CSOs and MLAs are serving no purpose when Manipur is literally burning since May 3 .
Placards with inscriptions "Unite all CSOs", "One voice one command", "We want peace" and "Don't compel us to take the path of violence" were used among others.
The Naharol Yaiphakol, Naorem Leikai also staged a similar protest demonstration under the banner "Leingakpasing meekap thoklo, ima leibak kallase" which roughly translates as "Wake up Government, let's save our State." Speaking to the media, Naharol Yaiphakol secretary Naorem William said that the Centre can end the violence in Manipur in just a day if it intends to.
He also asked the Prime Minister, Home Minister and legislators of the State to resign if they couldn't protect the lives of Manipuris.
William continued that the State has been gripped by unprecedented violence after Kukis started attacking and drove out Meiteis from Churachandpur, Torbung and Moreh among other places.
Everyone should unite now and face the problem of the State together, he said.
Saying that the violence will stop if the Kukis attack stop attacking Meiteis and their settlement areas, William urged the Government to control the Kuki militants at the earliest.