Senapati Bodies appeals for relaxation of bandh

Senapati, December 23 (Hornbill Express): A joint statement issued by three apex bodies of Senapati District has appealed for immediate relaxation of the ongoing indefinite general strike imposed by FFM and SSMLC. Naga People’s Organization (NPO), Senapati District Women’s Association (SDWA) and Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) while condemning the incident at Chandel in which an actress was assaulted, have appealed for relaxing the bandh in view of the festive season.

The three bodies added, it is unfortunate that the present situation has diverted its core issue and drawn itself into a communal line. An incident related to two individuals being blown out of proportion is unacceptable and disturbing to the serenity of the people.

The general public cannot be allowed to hold to ransom because of an individual act. The law of the land has to prevail over emotional outburst. As a matured and civilized society such an incident should not be projected as communal issue. The nature of agitation that threatens the lives of Tribal people living in Imphal valley by stopping all the roads leading to respective Districts itself expose the inhuman act that violates the human rights. It is also an act of insensitivity of neglecting the minority group of Christians by disturbing the advent and Christmas celebration as many students studying outside were mercilessly stranded due to the ongoing general strike called by FFM and SSMLC.  

The fear psychosis have already been implanted in the minds of tribals who are living and stranded in Imphal in view of the ongoing agitation. In such situation, how can the notion of peaceful co-existence be affirmed or established among different ethnic groups in Manipur.

It also appealed to the State Government to consider the matter seriously and invest all efforts to contain the present situation before it magnifies and escalates. The three Naga bodies stated that, the involvement of some valley based organizations in instigating and inciting communal agendas and thus flaring up the individual issues projects the presence of anti-tribal agents to destabilize the peace processes undergoing in the region.