Guwahati: The Northeast Catholic Research Forum (NECARF) has appealed for peaceful resolution of the ongoing clash between the Kuki and the Meitei in Manipur.
The Northeast Catholic Research Forum (NECARF) has been closely following the developments in Manipur since May 3, 2023 and we are in pain to note how innocent people have gone through untold miseries.
“We have seen how helpless and defenseless citizens got killed, injured, and their homes burnt or destroyed with impunity. We have also seen how people who managed to escape the marauding mobs were living in miserable conditions in security camps, not because the security forces neglected them, but for want of space and facilities, where men, women, children, the aged and the sick, were clustered within limited spaces available in camps,” NECARF said.
The NECARF said they cannot imagine that many will no longer have their homes even when normalcy is restored, and they get an opportunity to return home.
“We are also deeply moved by the scene at Imphal Airport, where people purchased tickets and took flights to any destination in the country to escape the trauma and fear of feeling unsafe,” the NECARF said in a statement issued.
This forum also notes with deep concern how in the midst of these tragedies, Churches, including those run by the Meitei Christian community are vandalized and burnt, supposedly by people who wanted to project the present crisis as a fight between Hindus and Christians. We feel sorry to note that mischief mongers who are trying to exploit the fragile situation.
The North East Catholic Research Forum (NECRF) therefore appeals to all peace loving citizens of the Manipur to maintain peace so that normalcy returns early. We seek their cooperation in refraining from spreading rumours, so that further escalation is avoided. “We also appeal to the state and centre governments to urgently ensure the safety and security of every citizen, irrespective of community/group they come from. In prayers, we request all Christian community in the region to kindly pray for early return of peace in Manipur,” a statement said.
