GUWAHATI: With incidents of violence on the upsurge again in Manipur, civil societies comprising around 550 groups as well as eminent personalities from around the country stated their condemnation at the continuing unrest in this state in the northeast, urging all parties for an immediate ceasefire.
A call to immediately cease the "divisive politics" by the state and security forces was given by the groups and individuals.
People from different fields, including noted parliamentarians, police officers, bureaucrats, journalists, lawyers and academicians stated in a statement their grave concern at the continuing ethnic violence in Manipur, especially between the Meitei community and the tribal Kuki and Zo communities. The violence in Manipur has been continuing since early May 2023.
The statement alleged that Manipur is burning today mainly due to the divisive politics played by the governments at the Centre and State. It went on to say that the onus lies on them to stop this ongoing civil war before more lives are lost.
It also stated in no uncertain terms that the state, while pretending to be an ally to both the communities for its political gains, has only managed to widen the divide of their historical tensions without making any effort in facilitating a dialogue towards resolution of the current crisis till date, according to the statement.
In the statement, it has been demanded that an immediate halt be called to the continuing violence and highlighted the need for independent-minded civil society members to visit the survivors as well as the bereaved, while making attempts to verify reports of alleged killings and rapes.
The signatories to the statement called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak up and take responsibility for the current situation prevailing in Manipur.
The statement also called for a court-monitored tribunal to be formed to check out facts, and prepare the base for providing justice and to heal the festering wound that is separating communities of Manipur ‘to mitigate the divisiveness and hatred being engineered’.
The signatories to the statement also urged for fast track court to be set up to probe all cases of sexual violence perpetrated by state and non-state actors, according to the recommendations of the Verma Commission which states that all personnel guilty of sexual offences in conflict areas should be tried under ordinary criminal law, said the statement.
It also called for provision of relief by the government to those displaced due to the violence and to provide guarantees for their safe return to their native villages, helping them to rebuild their homes and lives.
Provision of ex-gratia compensation was demanded for those who lost their loved ones or suffered injuries and loss of property and possessions.
They stressed that the process of return, rehabilitation and compensation to those affected should be overseen by a committee of retired judges appointed by the High Court or Supreme Court, who know the region well.
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