Vehicles in flames after violence broke out in the course of the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ referred to as by All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM), in Imphal, on May 4, 2023.
| Photo Credit: PTI
The United Christian Forum of North East India (UCFNEI) has expressed anguish over the ongoing large-scale violence, arson, lack of life, and demolition of property, together with desecration of non secular locations in Manipur.
Manipur has been on the boil because the BJP-led authorities launched an eviction drive to clear forests and guarded areas of poppy and hashish cultivation. Things escalated after a tribal organisation carried out a solidarity rally towards the demand of a piece of the non-tribal Meitei individuals to be included within the Scheduled Tribe checklist.
Expressing deep ache and concern over the unrest, the UCFNEI urged all of the communities concerned to train restraint and work in the direction of a peaceable decision of their points.
“As a Christian organisation, we 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,” the forum mentioned in an announcement.
“We extend our condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in this unrest and call on the authorities to take appropriate measures to bring the perpetrators to justice. We also call on the government to take steps to address the underlying issues that have contributed to this situation and to work towards a lasting solution,” the forum mentioned.
Christian organisations have claimed that at the very least 14 church buildings have been vandalised or razed within the Imphal valley, whereas non-tribal organisations claimed just a few temples, together with a 1st century temple devoted to Shiva, had been set on hearth in some hill districts.
