Meitei diaspora seek PM's immediate intervention
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 04 2023:
The Meitei diaspora worldwide and their supporters have sought immediate intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi so as to bring an end to the Manipur crisis.
In an open letter address-ed to Prime Minister Naren- dra Modi, Meitei diaspora and supporters said "Your presence in Manipur and immediate intervention will bring hope and a sense of security to the violence ridden people and assure their life and livelihood" .
As India makes significant strides in development and prepares to host the G20 summit, the persistence of violence in Manipur threatens to undermine these achievements.
The ongoing violence in Manipur has fractured the social fabric of the State, the open letter pointed out.
"As custodians of the aspirations for a united and harmonious Manipur and India, we earnestly implore you to take resolute measures to prevent further escalation of the situation.
The people of Manipur deserve lives free from fear, where they can thrive in an atmosphere marked by peace, stability and safety", it said.
"The turmoil has placed our farmers, the backbone of our society, in grave jeopardy.
The tragic incidents of farmers being attacked highlights their predicaments" .
"For instance, on 29 August 2023, Salam Jotin, a 37-year-old farmer was shot by a long-range sniper gun while working at his field at Naranseina, Bishnupur district," it said.
The situation has been exacerbated by the displacement of many farmers currently forced to live in relief camps.
Manipur is on the verge of a conflict-induced famine and starvation as farmers are not able to work in their fields despite the presence of security forces for their protection, it said.
It also pointed out that the ongoing violence has jeopardised the future of thousands of students, forcing them to discontinue their education.
These harsh circumstances not only interrupt their current schooling but also cast an immense threat over their future opportunities.
"We acknowledge the intricate complexities inherent to our Manipur society - the Meiteis, the Nagas, and the Kuki communities, each with their own unique identities and aspirations" .
"However, the pivotal role of your esteemed office is to serve as a binding force that ensures the protection and progress of every Indian citizen", reads the open letter.
"By initiating meaningful dialogues among these communities, you hold the key to nurturing understanding and collaboration, paving the way for peaceful coexistence", said the Meitei diaspora.
They appealed to Prime Minister Naren-dra Modi to engage personally with the Chief Minister of Manipur and the relevant authorities to restore normalcy in Manipur.
"The innocent people of Manipur have borne the burden of suffering beyond imagination and it is our collective respon- sibility to ensure their safety and well-being", they said.
"As the leader of our Great Nation, you have the power to shape the destiny of our Manipur and to illuminate the path of effective governance, empathy and bring in the much needed unity of the people of Manipur.
We humbly request you to visit Manipur and meet the people affected by this senseless violence and ongoing turmoil", they added.