The Peace and Integrity Committee Kyamgei (PICK) and Kiyamgei All Nupi Chaokhat Thourang Lup on Tuesday appealed to all residents of Kiyamgei area not to partake in this year’s coming festivities especially Ningol Chakouba.
Both bodies stated that the move to abstain from celebration was to show solidarity to the displaced inmates staying at relief camps and those who lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.
Speaking to the media at Kiyamgei Khagemba Macha Laibung, PICK convenor Chingakham Meghachandra further appealed to Kiyamgei residents to refrain from bursting firecrackers and gambling (Lagao Khaoba) during the Diwali and Durga Puja celebrations in Kiyamgei area.
“The decisions were taken during a meeting on Monday. No gambling will be allowed in the Kiyamgei area during the festivity and if anyone is found violating the ban, they would bear the consequences of their actions,” he said.
On the other hand, he welcomed COTU’s appeal to CSOs to aid in retrieving the dead bodies at JNIMS and RIMS morgue for their final rites but questioned if COTU would do the same in retrieving the missing bodies of those who had been killed from the valley.
“We have no objection to their demand but we also want them to extend the same gesture in retrieving the missing bodies of those killed from the valley,” he said, adding “Let’s help each other”.
He also urged the indigenous communities of Manipur not to fall for misinformation and rumours of vested groups and individuals.
“There has been some misunderstanding between certain indigenous groups which has been blown out of proportion. We urge the groups to clear the misunderstanding and move forward on foundations of brotherhood and love,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chaokhat Thourang Lup vice president Moirangthem Sobita also appealed to all Kiyamgei residents to abstain from partaking in the coming festivities.
“Numerous people have been suffering while many have died since the crisis erupted on May 3. We want the people to think about them and show solidarity with their suffering by refraining from this year’s festivities,” she said.
