Various organizations call for peace in Manipur

Mokokchung, 5 May (MTNews): As the situation in Manipur continues to remain tense following widespread violence since 3 May, many organizations have called for peace and communal harmony and expressed solidarity with the victims.

ABAM expresses solidarity with victims of Manipur violence

The Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) has said it stands in solidarity with the victims of the Manipur violence and that it prays for the restoration of peace.

“In view of the human-made catastrophes surfacing since May 3, 2023 in Imphal, Manipur during the Tribal Solidarity March, the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) stands in solidarity with the victims and prays for the restoration of peace,” ABAM said in a press statement.

ABAM also condemned the “act of brutality against innocent lives particularly killing Christians, burning down churches, vandalizing private houses, and giving rise to religious and social unrest in the region.”

“We are saddened to see the element of elimination of a particular religion or ethnicity through the expansion of power, exploitation of lower tribes or classes, and rejection of morality,” ABAM said, adding that such acts legitimize “unfair and manipulative powers and structures as there is no commitment toward building an inclusive community.”

ABAM further urged all right-thinking people to overcome forces that “perpetuate dissection and cause polarization and pray for communal harmony amongst the people through unitive agencies.”

“We pray for God’s comforting touch and healing for all who have been adversely affected by the violence,” it added.

Pained to watch the situation in Manipur: NECCC

The North East Congress Coordination Committee (NECCC) stated that they are “pained to watch the situation in Manipur” where many people lost their lives and properties worth crores destroyed.

“The people of the North East are always united and love each other like a family. We appeal to all sections of people to maintain peace and restrain from further violence. We appeal to the government of Manipur and the Central government to immediately stop the violence and maintain law and order,” Bobby Panicker, Vice-Chairman, NECC stated.

He further suggested both governments to compensate the victims and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.

NSF urges Nagaland Govt to initiate evacuation

The Naga Students’ Federation has appealed to the Government of Nagaland to take up all possible measures in ensuring the safety and security of the Naga people currently stranded in Manipur and appealed to the State Government to immediately initiate the ‘evacuation process for the safe passage and arrival of our people’.

The NSF further expressed that they are ‘deeply perturbed’ at the ongoing violence and arson in several districts in the state of Manipur.

The NSF while condemning the acts of violence, killing and atrocities which are causing mass civil unrest and distress to the people in Manipur state pointed out that the “insensitivity of the concerned State Government in its approach towards the issue has instigated the situation to be blown out of proportion.”

The Federation, therefore, called for ‘better sense to prevail’ and called for immediate cessation of all sorts of violence and vandalism in the highly volatile situation.

“While the entire region is a witness to the many decades of conflict and instability, our collective aspiration for lasting peace cannot be negated and held hostage by few vested interest individuals and groups,” the NSF added.

Naga Hoho denounces shoot-at-sight order

Expressing concern on the “unprecedented prevailing incidents of violence and unrest in Manipur,” the Naga Hoho strongly denounced the ‘shoot-at-sight order’ issued by the state government of Manipur and called it a “highly dangerous and vindictive approach” that violates the principles of democracy and human rights.

Stating that the use of force will only escalate the situation and lead to more violence and bloodshed, the Naga Hoho called upon the government of Manipur to immediately rescind the shoot-at-sight order for peaceful restoration of law and order in the state.

The Hoho also called upon all parties involved to exercise restraint from any acts of violence or provocation and work towards a peaceful resolution of the issues at hand.

“We believe that dialogue and constructive engagement are the only effective means to address the underlying issues and prevent further escalation of violence,” the Hoho added.

AKM expresses concern

The Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) has expressed deep concern over the violence that is taking place in Manipur and has condemned the “act of violence and arson which have led to the loss of precious lives and have disrupted the state of normalcy in the region.”

AKM stated that killing and discriminating against one another will not result in a better solution and urged all communities and groups to reject violence and respect the law in all circumstances. “It should be clear that violence is not the solution,” AKM said.

AKM also requested the Government of India and the Manipur state government to take immediate action to address the situation and restore order and stability in the affected area and, above all, to ensure that innocent people are not harmed.