Manipur committee stands up for humanitarian service regarding Myanmar crisis

Newmai News Network
Imphal | April 19

The Citizens Committee, Manipur (CCM) under the chairmanship of  Radhabinod Koijam, former Chief Minister of Manipur, held a meeting on  Sunday  at Thangmeiband, Imphal, and deliberated upon "the present  crisis in Myanmar: Possible humanitarian response from Manipur.”

The participants shared the present pains and sufferings of the Myanmar citizens in general and particularly of those who have fled into the bordering villages of Manipur and surviving with “full of uncertainties and hardships”, according to a note issued to Newmai News Network (NNN) on April 18 evening by Babloo Loitongbam, who is also the convenor of CCM and one of the signatories of this note. The other signatory was Koijam.

The participants recalled the long historical, demographic and cultural links between the peoples of Manipur and Myanmar, the proceeding note said.

“Deeply moved by the escalating humanitarian crisis, the meeting unanimously resolved to constitute a humanitarian sub - committee with Prof. Amar  Yumnam as the chairperson for initiating all possible humanitarian measures,” it added.

The meeting also resolved to make a representation to the Prime Minister of India to ensure  that the Myanmar citizens fleeing their country from persecution are treated humanely in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).  

The meeting further resolved to appeal to the people to contribute, in cash or kind, in order to extend all possible humanitarian assistance to the Myanmar citizens taking refuge in the border villages of Manipur.  

Finally, the meeting resolved to open a Facebook page for CCM and use the bank account of Human Rights Alert(HRA) , Imphal, for the time being, to receive  financial contributions.

The CCM chairperson has contributed a sum of “rupees fifty thousand only” to kick-start the initiative.