Prominent citizens from Assam have issued an appeal for peace in Manipur today, more than a month after violence broke out in the state, which has cost more than 100 lives.
“We are greatly disturbed that our neighbouring state Manipur is in turmoil,” the signatories said. “The fratricidal violence has been continuing in the state for more than a month now. Already more than 100 people have died in the violence. Hundreds of houses have been burnt and damaged. Thousands of people have fled their homes. People are being sheltered in more than 300 relief camps and they need humanitarian assistance from all quarters.”
“We are also bewildered why the Prime Minister of India hasn’t uttered a word yet about the situation in Manipur and appeal for peace! He should intervene and help bring peace and normality to the state at the earliest,” the concluding paragraph read.
There is an atmosphere of overwhelming fear, despair and uncertainty in the state, the appeal, signed by religious leaders, former senior police officers, retired senior civil servants, intellectuals, et al, said earlier.
“The state has been reduced to a level of statelessness. People in Manipur are utterly frustrated. They are suffering from a deep sense of insecurity. We are feeling sad at the extreme uncertainty prevailing in Manipur and our heart goes to the suffering people of the state,” they added.
Mutual violence and hatred will not lead anywhere positive and must therefore be stopped immediately, the appeal added, while calling on the state and central governments to try and endeavour to create an atmosphere conducive to building peace.
