Kol stands with Manipuris in call for peace in state

KOLKATA: With Manipur enduring violence for over three months, on Wednesday, a peace convention was held in Kolkata where the city stood by the people from Manipur in echoing the need to restore normalcy.
“Restoring peace in the state is the need of the hour. We also question both the Centre and the state on why it has not done anything significant to douse the flames.Instead of picking up arms against each other, the warring communities should sit across the table to work out a solution,” said Biplab Bhattacharya, one of the organisers of the Manipur peace convention.
Violence erupted in Manipur on May 3 and clashes are still happening between Meitei and Kuki communities. While the latter has demanded a separate administration, Meities have stood firm on protecting the state’s territorial integrity.
“We want peace to prevail in the state. Instead of fighting physically, we must try to resolve the contentious issues as per the law of the land,” said Laishram Gopeshwor, a Manipuri who works in Kolkata.
Among the audience was Yumnam Sarjit, one of the victims of violence whose shop in Moreh was reduced to ashes during a mob attack at the end of July.
Thousands from both communities have been displaced and close to 200 have died in the violence. Many kids are living in relief ca-mps. “How long will we endure the violence? I’m in Ko-lkata, but I’m worried about my family in Manipur. Th-ink about the people who depend on daily wage,” said Soumya Kizhuvalath.
Organised by groups including Jan Andolan, Nagarik Udyog, Mahila Samaj and TUCI, the event also laid out strategies, like disarming of both groups, responsible media reports, di-scouraging hate speech and fostering trust between co-mmunities.