Various organisations, including church bodies have expressed deep concern over the violence in Manipur and appealed to the people to maintain peace and tranquillity.
CFD: Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD) has strongly condemned the violence, killing and atrocities on the people in Manipur.
The forum said it was extremely distressing to see innocent people being targeted and persecuted on the basis of their religious and ethnic identity.
It pointed out that the right to practice one’s religion was a fundamental human right and it was unacceptable for anyone to be subjected to violence and discrimination because of his or her faith.
CFD expressed sorrow that without any provocation many churches had been burnt and partially damaged, and that the sacred objects were desecrated. It urged the Centre and the Government of Manipur to contain the violence immediately.
The forum said it expected a decisive action to put an end to this senseless violence and ensure that those responsible were held accountable for their actions. The forum declared that it stood in solidarity with the Meetei and Kuki communities, while calling on all people of conscience to join it in condemning these heinous acts. It emphasised that only through dialogue, unity and solidarity, such hatred and intolerance could be overcome.
“We believe that dialogue and cooperation are essential for building a peaceful and just society, and we are committed to supporting efforts to promote these values,” stated a press release issued by CFD chairman Rev Moses Murry and secretary Fr CP Anto.
United Christian Forum of North East India (UCFNEI) and the North East India Christian Council (NEICC) have expressed concern over acts of unrest in Manipur, which have encompassed large-scale violence, arson, demolition of property and desecration of religious places.
“We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution to the situation,” UCFNEI said in a statement.
As a Christian organization, the forum said they believe in the value of human life and the importance of respecting the dignity of every individual.
“We call on all members of society to refrain from engaging in violent acts and to instead engage in peaceful dialogue to address their concerns,” it added.
It also called for the authorities to take appropriate measures to bring perpetrators of crime to justice and to address the underlying issues that have contributed to the situation.
NEICC: In another statement North East India Christian Council expressed serious concern by the violence that has resulted in loss of properties and precious lives.
In a statement, NEICC president Rev. R. Lalnunzira and general secretary Rev. Dr. Ramengliana also condemned the attacks on places of worship and appealed all for peace and to maintain restraint.
The council termed the incidents as “shameful and most undesirable” as one people of the North East India and urged the government authorities to take urgent steps to contain the situation
The council also appealed to the civil society to shoulder responsibility in alleviating the state of affairs.
Further, the council called upon all member units to extend help to the victims and to continue to pray fervently for peace and harmony in the region.
NPMHR: Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has appealed to the better nature, good sense and enlightened self-interest of the people to bring an immediate end to the acts of killing and vandalism.
In a statement, the organisation called upon community leaders and legislators to immediately take action to de-escalate the volatile situation and resume dialogue and negotiations with the stakeholders.
Noting the seemingly endless cycle of violence, it also mourned the loss of lives and communal fraternity in a region that had been long vitiated by wanton injustice and use of force.
According to NPMHR, the issuing of shoot-on-sight orders smacked of the familiar and dangerous high-handedness of a State that had historically proven to be insensitive to the needs and demands of its own citizens.
“This unwillingness to listen and negotiate has birthed the very instability and societal fragility that the State is now trying to deal with in ‘fire-fighting’ mode,” the statement pointed out.
NSA: Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) through its executive council violence cannot be condoned or justified by any means. NSA maintained that violence and hatred can never be the solution to any issue as it would only lead to more conflicts, mistrust, and unrest in the long run.
NSA said it “unequivocally” condemned any form of violence and mob activity that disrupted the peace and stability of the community.
It stressed that the need of the hour was to work together by disregarding prejudices, and with informed minds build a society, that was based on mutual respect, understanding, and tolerance.
NSA has, therefore, strongly appealed to the higher authority for an immediate restoration of peace and order in the region. It also called for taking cognizance of the enormous losses of both the individual and public properties and redressing the grievances of those who suffered during the violent clashes.