Many pray for normalcy in State, children take out peace rally
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 01 2023: Expressing that the prevailing situation in the State with a communal touch is unfortunate, acclaimed Film Maker Haobam Paban Kumar has urged all to join hands to restore peace & normalcy soon so that the upcoming generations do not have a sad future.

Talking to DIPR, Paban Kumar said, "I never thought that the current issue would turn communal.

Any issue with a communal touch always has lasting impacts, and this issue, if not solved in time, will give a lasting negative impact to the future generation" .

"Manipur is like a mini-India and we as a citizen of the State, irrespective of whichever community one belongs to, should try to bring an amicable solution.

Even the mainland Indians dwelling in Manipur should not remain a silent spectator during such critical times, and should join in to restore peace in the State", he added.

He also asserted that the news report of the present situation as shared in social media and the mainland media, somehow, seems to lack ground reality and tries to bring the narrative based on religion.

He mentioned that in Manipur, there has never been any occurrence of such incidents based on religion as religion has never been a major concern or a barrier in the society.

"The present issue is quite different from those narratives and the comments made without knowing the ground reality needs to be checked.

At this moment, all citizens of the country need to put effort into solving the present situation to bring peace and tranquillity in the State", he appealed.

Similarly, renowned fashion designer Robert Naorem has sought the attention of the whole country and from across the world to restore normalcy & peace in the State.

"Manipur needs support from the Centre and State Government as well as from our own people from both the sides to bring back peace", he added.

Talking to DIPR, Robert Naorem said, "Manipur is inhabited by various communities belonging to different religions.

The present clash is due to some misunderstandings between two communities and not about religion at all.

It can be taken as a clash between brothers of the same family.

It is not about Hindus and Christians or between Meiteis and tribals.

There are many religions which predominantly stay in our State.

The national media is focusing more on religion without highlighting the ground reality and it is quite unfortunate" .

He added, "I have worked closely with both the communities.

Recently, I did shows based on the Kuki community supporting the tribal motifs at Kangokpi and Churachandpur districts.

Whenever I showcased something across the world, I never miss out my tribal brothers and sisters and the beautiful weaves of tribals.

It is necessary to bring back those moments and I always feel proud to work with all the communities" .

Highlighting that huge sections of the society are suffering, Robert urged both the communities to stop the violence.

"The State is thriving towards development and promotion of tourism is going on full speed such as the recently held Femina Miss India and this situation should not be a hindrance to the tourism sector", he added.

He further appealed to all the communities to stop violence and get involved in the developmental process taken up by the Government and worked together to let Manipur shine to the rest of the world.

Moreover, The State Bank of India Pensioner's Association (SBIPA) Manipur Zone has shared that due to the recent civic disturbance, thousands of people including senior citizens have been displaced and are taking shelter at relief camps opened at different places.

Conveying sympathies to the family which had lost their loved ones in the violence, SBIPA Manipur Zone appealed to the Central & State Government to take sincere action to restore normal life in the State at the earliest and protect the integrity of Manipur.

SBIPA Manipur Zone further appealed to all the communities to set aside their differences and stop violence to bring back peace & harmony in the State.

Meanwhile, a large number of children from the Heirangoithong Bazar area took out a rally calling for an end to the ongoing conflict and restoration of peace in the State from SWC Multipurpose Hall on Thursday.

After the rally, the children stood together at Heirangoithong Bazar displaying placards with slogans such as, "End the violence", "Save the lives of children", etc.

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