Several functions were held here in the national capital on Friday to mark the one year of ethnic violence and suffering that happened in the Meitei majority Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo dominated hill districts of Manipur. A total of 230 deaths have so far been reported and 247 Meitei churches have been burned.
The National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW)-organised function witnessed the release of a documentary on Manipur and a panel discussion. Annie Raja of NFIW said the function was to be held at the Constitution Club of India but the authorities created problems by demanding a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the National Election Commission at the time of booking. So, the seminar was held at the Press Club of India.
(PHOTO: Jose Kalathil)
The 23-minute documentary, Manipur -- A blot on Indian Democracy, was by journalist Anto Akkara who had spent several days in the state to document the film.
Moderated by journalist Pamela Philipose, the seminar was addressed by Delhi University faculty member Apoorvanand, activist Subhashini Ali and Annie Raja of NFIW. According to the Federation, the five-member team of the NFIW, that spent five days in Manipur said during their meeting with the affected people at the Relief Camps, they said they missed their neighbours from the other community.
In the evening, a candlelight ecumenical prayer was organised by the Delhi Ecumenical Commission (DEC) of the Archdiocese of Delhi to express solidarity with the affected people. Led by Archbishop Anil JT Couto, Archbishop of Delhi, it was held in front of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Golda Khana.
It began with a prayer worship by the Youth Choir led by David. Bible reading by an Internally Displaced Person (IDP), testimony of healing and restoration, an expression of thanks to DEC from the people of Manipur by Moy Khonsai of Manipur Women's Group, prayer by Bishop Subodh Mondal of Methodist Church, prayer for relief to affected IDPs and for their rehabilitation were also conducted.
