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DIMAPUR, MAY 6 (MExN): Several civil society organizations and church bodies on Saturday condemned the mindless atrocities meted out against innocent civilians, vandalizing of properties, religious institutions in Manipur and called for an end to violence while urging for peace and restraint.
Kuki Baptist Association Nagaland: The Kuki Baptist Association Nagaland has expressed sorrow over the unfortunate violence in the neighbouring state of Manipur. It has also condemned in the strongest term the inhuman killings- where even women and children were not spared, houses/properties set on fire and churches desecrated and burnt.
“Whatever be the reason, such acts of madness would never justify the reasons,” a press release issued by KBAN stated on Saturday while calling for an end to the violence. It has also urged the authorities to leave no stone unturned to save the hapless victims who are living in fear and without daily basic needs.
The KBAN also called upon all its members to pray steadfastly so that normalcy returns and peace reigns at the earliest. It also prayed that the law enforcing agencies also perform their duties with no fear and biasness so that the trust and faith the public has upon them is restored.
Angami Baptist Church Council: The Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) has condemned the mindless atrocities meted out against innocent civilians and vandalizing of properties and burning of churches and institutions.
“Violence begets violence, therefore we appeal to the people of Manipur to shun violence immediately and choose the path of mutual respect and peaceful negotiations so that peace and brotherhood may prevail in the beautiful valley,” a press release issued by Rev Dr Rachiilie Vihienuo, Executive Director ABCC stated.
The church council also expressed solidarity with the victims, their families with prayer that the God Almighty protect the people of Manipur and heal all differences.
Naga Mother’s Association: The Naga Mother’s Association (NMA) has univocally condemned the killings and ongoing mob riots of arson and destruction of churches and private properties.
Appealing for peace and an end to violence and bloodshed in Manipur, the NMA also called upon the Chief Minister of Manipur to ensure that respect for human rights is strictly maintained and protected by the State government and guardians of the law.
It also urged “our long time friends, the Meira Paibis and the Kuki women of Manipur to facilitate for Peace and Sanity amongst our communities.” We appreciate the mothers and women of Churachandpur who ensured safe passage of the Meities living there, it also stated.
Oriental Theological Seminary: The community of Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS) has expressed sadness and pain at the ongoing conflict in Manipur, resulting in the loss of precious lives and destruction of properties, places of worship, and educational centers.
A press release received from OTS Principal, Dr Joshua Lorin and Dean of Students, Dr Kumti Aier said this deteriorating situation must stop from all sides to prevent the cycle of violence and further loss of lives and properties.
Condemning in the strongest term the violence and hatred perpetrated by lawless anarchist on all sides—whether government agencies, communities, or individuals, it said “violence and hatred in any form are monstrous, appalling, and doomed.”
It also appealed the government, communities, organizations, and individuals in Manipur to make concerted efforts to conciliate the situation so that all communities continue to live and co-exist together peacefully. Invariably, our diverse communities are here to live together. We cannot change that fact, it stated. It meanwhile prayed for comfort and strength for all the victims and their families.
Angami Students’ Union: The Angami Students’ Union (ASU) on Saturday wrote to the Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland in regard to the prevailing situation at Manipur, which has resulted in chaos and menace, thus, requiring to immediately evacuating fellow Naga brethrens back to our homeland.
ASU President Bisevi and Assistant General Secretary, Virato Naleo also appealed the community involved to humanly solve the differences and let peace prevail. “At this detrimental time, we are seriously concerned about our Naga brothers and sisters stranded at Manipur and therefore implore upon the state government to ensure that our people out there are safely evacuated on priority,” it stated.
ASU suggested that the helpline desk activated by the state government be minutely managed and day to day evacuation be carried out in coordination with the Manipur government. Meanwhile, the union offered their all out support to the state government for necessary assistance or cooperation in the service of our people.
Tangkhul Shanao Long informs
The Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL) has informed that the 11th General Conference of the Naga Women’s Union scheduled to be held from May 9 to 12 at Halang village, Ukhrul has been postponed indefinitely as we mourn the loss of lives in the continuing violence in Manipur. The conference was scheduled to be hosted by TSL aong with the 44th TSL Annual Meet. “At this time of great distress and anguish we stand in solidarity with the victims and their families and we pray for peace to be restored,” President, TSL stated in a press note.
