Condemning the attack on innocent women and children amid the conflict in Manipur which has entered 19 months, eminent senior citizens along with academics, veteran journalists, legal experts, former bureaucrats and students from RIMS, JNIMS, Shija and CAU staged a sit-in at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai Community hall, Imphal on Saturday.
The sit-in was jointly organised by Taragi Cheishu (TC) along with its TC wings of JNIMS, RIMS, Legal, CAU, Imphal Naga Peoples' Forum and Core Committee on Relief and Rehabilitation, Manipur and several other bodies.
The protesters held several placards condemning the inhumane attack and murder of innocent women and children amid the conflict. They also demanded befitting legal action against the culprits involved the heinous crime against the six hostages of Jiribam.
(PHOTO: IFP)
Speaking to media on the sidelines of the protest, TC chairperson Khaidem Mani stated that several innocent women and children had become victims of the unending conflict which is nearing two years.
As such, he demanded authorities concerned to bring an amicable resolution to conflict and end the conflict.
"The recent cases in Jiribam, Saiton and the killing of a Hmar women is an act of treason against humanity," he said.
He maintained that the central and state government must initiate all feasible actions to bring justice for their heinous murders.
"The government must also declare groups indulging in such activities as unlawful groups. The state government must also recommend this to the centre," he added.
On the other hand, he also condemned the reimposition of AFSPA in areas under six valley police stations and demanded authorities concerned to revoke it.
He stated that Taragi Cheishu would continue to promote and firmly stand for the collective idea of Manipur inclusive of all 35 communities recognised by the authorities.
All the communities must also work to promote this idea, he added.
He highlighted that Taragi Cheishu was conglomerate of like minded individuals which are neither against nor for the government.
Brojen Thangjam, a retired police officer, said the protest represents a wide section of academic community in the state. Brojen said the immediate reason for protest is the the recent incident in Jiribam where innocent women and children were targeted.
Brojen said the academic community in the state is worried about the shrinking moral and ethical space in the wake of the present crisis.
Stating that the disappearance of legitimate institutions of the state is a cause of concern, he said that through these protest an appeal is made to the authorities to reassert the legitimate institutions of the state. The need of the hour is to content the violence and sooner the better, he said.
Research scholar Devina Moirangthem said targeting women and children is an inhuman act and as such, it should be condemned.
