Several organisations have expressed serious concern and strongly condemned the unprecedented violence that erupted in several parts of Manipur, including the capital Imphal. They have called upon all to maintain peace in the land and to prevent further loss of lives and properties.
The Baptist Churches Union of India (BCUI) appealed to all sections of citizens in Manipur to maintain peace and tranquility in the state. BCUI said that "destruction and killing will not bring any peaceful solution, but they will remain as a bitter scar among our brothers".
Urging all to shun any form of violence, the Zeliangrong Baptist Churches Council North East India (ZBCCNEI) has appealed to all churches to uphold in prayer for the healing and restoration of peace in the land.
The community of Oriental Theological Seminary, Nagaland, expressed pain at the ongoing conflict in Manipur, resulting in the loss of precious lives and destruction of properties, places of worship, and educational centers.
"This deteriorating situation must stop from all sides to prevent the cycle of violence and further loss of lives and properties. We condemn in the strongest terms all kinds of violence and hatred perpetrated by lawless anarchist on all sides—whether government agencies, communities, or individuals," OTS stated in a release.
Stressing on peaceful coexistence, it stated: "We fervently appeal to the government, communities, organizations, and individuals in Manipur to make concerted efforts to conciliate the situation so that all communities continue to live and coexist together peacefully.
"Invariably, our diverse communities are here to live together. We cannot change that fact. We intercede for comfort and strength for all the victims and their families and stand in solidarity with them during this time of suffering. We pray for humane sense and peace to prevail amongst the people in the land".
The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) also called for peace and end to violence in the state and mourned “the loss of innocent lives, destruction of homes, property, and the burning of multiple churches. Our hearts ache for the families left grieving”.
"We call for peace and an end to the violence and unrest in the region that has caused such devastating consequences and immense suffering to the people. We urge the government to take immediate measures to restore peace and ensure the safety and security of all its citizens.
"We believe that every human being is made in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. The recent incidents of violence go against these values and have caused great harm to the people of Manipur.
"We call upon all parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution of the issues. We urge the people of Manipur to avoid forces that instigate division and cause polarization. We also appeal to the state and the union government to engage in constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to address the underlying causes of the conflict,” the EFI stated.
Violence broke out in several parts of Manipur, including Imphal, Churachandpur, Bishenpur, Thoubal, Pherzawl and Tengnoupal, following the Tribal Solidarity Peace March Against the Meetei/Meitei ST Demand which was called by the All Tribal Students Union Manipur in all hill districts of Manipur on May 3.
The violence that followed on May 3-4 claimed several lives. Many others were left injured. Houses, places of worship and other establishments were burnt at several parts of the state. Over 20,000 people were evacuated. Internet/data services were suspended for five days, curfew imposed in violence-hit districts and Article 355 imposed in the state. Thousands of security personnel are deployed in the state and shoot at sight ordered in "extreme cases" in the state.
Also Read: Manipur government threatens to recommend President's Rule