Imphal, January 31 2009: The United NGOs Mission Manipur (UNM-M) has appealed for an amicable resolution to the protracted stand-off between Assam Rifles and NSCN (IM) at Siroy considering the plight caused by the stand-off to the local people.

Speaking to reporters at State Youth Centre here today, UNM-M secretary U Nabakishore observed that people of Manipur have been suffering because of the conflict between State and non-State actors.

He noted that with fear gripping their minds, normal lives of the people of Siroy have been severely affected by the persisting impasse between AR and NSCN (IM) there.

Observing that the ongoing impasse at Siroy is a clear case of conflict between State and non-State actors affecting lives of common people, Nabakishore noted that people are unable to go out for works.

Moreover, the women who have been camping in the open field round the clock to see that no ugly fall-out results from the stand-off have already started feeling physical exhaustion and mental stress.

Pointing out the difficulties and fear being experienced by the villagers because of the stand-off, the UNM-M appealed to both the sides to work towards ending the impasse.

Taking part in the press meet, UNM-M member Greenson Tangkhul also appealed to the opposing parties to resolve the stand-off on humanity ground rather than on political ground.

The UNM-M functionaries further asserted that it's time to adopt a new strategy regarding the current counter insurgency measures.

They noted that the common people have been suffering untold miseries because of the unabated killings on daily basis, firing and bomb attacks at public places, abduction for ransom etc.

Saying that 497 people were killed last year, they observed that 54 people have been killed during the current month alone.

All these victims of both State and non-State actors and people frightened and traumatised by such violent incidents are all responsible members of their families and the society at large, they said while questioning how long should the people of Manipur tolerate this inhuman situation.

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