DIMAPUR, MAY 5 (MExN): As Manipur remained tense following large scale violence across the State, several organizations have called for peace and communal harmony in these times.
The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) called upon the Government of Manipur and the Centre to respond swiftly in an appropriate manner to settle the prevailing issues. “We urge them to take necessary steps to ensure that the situation is brought under control and that the perpetrators of violence are brought to justice,” the NBCC stated. It further urged the whole populace of Manipur to remain calm and give a chance for better alternatives to resolve the issues.
The Naga Hoho meanwhile denounced the shoot-at-sight order issued by the State Government of Manipur as a “highly dangerous and vindictive approach that violates the principles of democracy and human rights.” “The use of force will only escalate the situation and lead to more violence and bloodshed, making it an unsustainable solution to any problem. We call upon the government of Manipur to immediately rescind the shoot-at-sight order for peaceful restoration of law and order in the state,” it added. It urged all stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions towards finding a lasting solution to the challenges faced by the state.
The Dimapur Meetei Council said that “we are all human beings and must respect each other's dignity and rights.” “The conflict among communities has taken a toll on the people's lives, mental health, and the social and economic well-being of the region. We appeal to all sections of citizens in Manipur to put an end to this vicious cycle of violence and animosity and work towards creating a society that is based on peace, harmony, and mutual respect,” it appealed.
It urged all citizens of Manipur to come together and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve their differences and work towards a peaceful co-existence. It is only through mutual understanding, respect, and dialogue that we can find a lasting solution to this issue, it stated.
The World Meitei Council appealed to all affected communities to refrain from violence. “WMC believes that any issue involving violence does not bring any positive result,” it stated and appealed to the State Government and the Centre to bring the situation under control without delay. It further appealed all agitators irrespective of communities not to target any religious establishment and people.
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) said that the insensitivity of the concerned State Government in its approach towards the issue has “instigated the situation to be blown out of proportion.” While condemning all acts of violence, killing and atrocities, the NSF called for better sense to prevail and immediate cessation of all sorts of violence and vandalism. Further, it appealed to the State Government to immediately initiate the evacuation process for the safe passage and arrival of Naga people.
The Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) said that it stands in solidarity with the victims and prays for the restoration of peace. The ABAM condemned the “act of brutality against innocent lives,” and expressed concern at the religious and social unrest in the region. It called upon all right-thinking people to “overcome forces that perpetuate dissection and cause polarization and pray for communal harmony amongst the people through unitive agencies.”
The North East Congress Coordination Committee (NECCC) appealed to all sections of people to maintain peace and restrain from further violence. It asked the Manipur Government and the Central Government to immediately stop the violence and maintain law and order. “Both governments should compensate the victims,” it added while expressing condolences to the bereaved family members.
The North East India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC) also called for restraint and peace, and said that “violence is never the answer for any lasting solution.” Appealing for an amicable solution to the issue through dialogue, the NEIRBC implored the people of Manipur to stop all the violence and vandalism and to work towards restoration of normalcy.
The North East Catholic Research Forum (NECRF) condemned the acts of violence, no matter who the perpetrators were. The forum also noted with deep concern about “systematic attacks on Christian Churches, particularly in the valley districts, besides attacks on over 30 tribal villages located in close proximity to the valley districts.” It asked the State and the Central governments to urgently take preventive measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, particularly in the valley districts.
The Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations appealed to the government to contain the crisis with wisdom and maturity. It further appealed to federating units in the Northeast to “sincerely intercede and pray for the wellbeing of the injured and bereaved families; and also pray for normalcy to return at the earliest.”
The Council of Baptist Churches in North East India denounced the “use of force, and called upon all the communities of Manipur, to whatever persuasion they may belong, not only to refrain from all the act of violence and disorder; but also, to avoid both in speech and writing any words which might be construed as an incitement to such acts.”
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