Amid the rising tension following the violence that erupted between the Leilon Vaiphei and Konsaram (Konsakhul) villages, the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) has appealed to the people of both villages to maintain peace and help ease the volatile situation.
Expressing serious concern, ATSUM, the apex body of tribal students in Manipur, said it is a matter of great concern for the union that an inter-village clash has taken place between Leilon Vaiphei and Konsaram villages.
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Appealing to both villages to maintain peace and calm and take measures to de-escalate the confrontational situation, ATSUM said at a time when there should be unity and understanding among the tribal people in the state, such violent incidents between two tribal villages is unfortunate and undesirable.
ATSUM said that villagers of Konsaram and Leilon Vaiphei were living in peace and harmony as good neighbours for the past hundred years. It is known that the two villages shared a long history of friendship where they partook in each other's social and cultural events and help each other during good times and bad times, it added.
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Pointing out that there never has been any enmity and hostility between them in the past and such a bond of friendship is something to be treasured and cherished at all times, ATSUM said it is surprising that such hostile feelings and misunderstandings between the villages have come to the fore in recent times.
The two villages must come to the negotiating table and settle their problem amicably, ATSUM stressed.
"They need to confine their problems within the boundaries of the two villages and be wary of organizations or groups whose sole intention of existence is to fan up enmity between tribal communities," the students body stated.
ATSUM also urged the concerned authorities and the state government to handle the case with utmost sincerity in order to prevent the situation from escalating any further.
Meanwhile, the Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi, Manipur (LNKR-M) on Wednesday drew the attention of the state chief minister of Manipur to look into their charter of demands following the March 26 violence.
LNKR-M has demanded immediate arrest of the culprits involved in vandalising the JCB excavator and burning down of a two wheeler to ashes.
It demanded immediate arrest of the culprits involved in abduction, physical assault with an attempt to murder of innocent civilians.
It also demanded immediate suspension of the officer in charge and other police personnel of Leimakhong Police Station involved in harassment and physical assault on innocent victims after rescuing them from the abductors.
The demand also included compensation for the losses incurred by the innocent civilians during the course of the crime and to acknowledge the rights of the landowner of Konsaram (Konsakhul) and ensure justice at the earliest.
In a separate release, the Eastern Liangmai Naga Chief and Chairman Association and the Ahangrok Chief Chairman Association also strongly condemned the March 26 incident and demanded the state government to book the culprits and deliver justice to the people of Konsaram at the earliest.
