DIMAPUR, MAY 6 (MExN): The Global Naga Forum (GNF) on Saturday said the violent riots that unfolded over the last few days targeting a particular community along with looting, wanton destruction of property and burning of religious institutions are clear violations of the principles of human decency and civilised behaviour.
While condemning the incident, the Forum also said it was difficult to accept that “such sustained and widespread violence could be a spontaneous reaction to a peaceful rally organized by the Scheduled Tribe communities of Manipur against the Meiteis' demand for inclusion as a ST.”
Stating that the underlying reasons are not entirely apparent, the Forum reflected on the historical context, “where the Meitei, as high caste Hindus, once held prejudices against the hill tribes people, considering them inferior.”
However, with changing times and the Meitei community holding significant population and political power, the Forum supposed that their aspiration for land and influence beyond the Imphal Valley has become a driving force.
The Kangleipak Kanbalup's memorandum, requesting the inclusion of Meiteis as Scheduled Tribes, sheds light on their motivations, citing benefits such as employment opportunities and preservation of indigenous ethnic identity, it stated.
Appealing for an end to violence on all fronts, the GNF has called upon Nagas worldwide to remain vigilant, understanding that the challenges of the present and the pursuit of a better future are more crucial than dwelling on the darker aspects of the past and the current situation.
Let us strive for peace, unity, and understanding as we work towards a harmonious society where every individual is respected and valued, it urged. Together, we can overcome these divisive forces and build a future that is marked by compassion, justice, and inclusivity, it added.
Mainland media urged to report responsibly
Meanwhile, the Forum urged the mainland Indian media not to sensationalize and exploit the ST demand by the Meitei community as a religious conflict between Hindus and Christians.
It is essential to recognize that the ongoing situation in Manipur is driven by complex social, historical, and political factors, and reducing it to a religious binary would be misleading and detrimental to fostering peace and unity, the Forum said while urging the media to report responsibly, promote unbiased narratives, and contribute to a constructive dialogue that promotes understanding and harmony.
The forum asserted that divisive forces can be overcome by compassion, justice and inclusivity and urged for the voices of reason and reconciliation to prevail.
