Peace, dialogue the way forward : CFJ
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Sep 21: Reflecting on the present situation in Manipur 76 years after its merger with India, the Citizens for Justice, Manipur (CFJM) has called on the people, civil organisations and Government authorities to "choose peace, dialogue, and justice as the only way forward."
"Violence will not solve our collective problems - it will only deepen wounds and delay the path to reconciliation, justice, and restoration of rights," the CFJM said in a statement.
It expressed profound grief and concern over the ambush on security forces personnel at Nambol Sabal Leikai on September 19.
"Such actions cannot be considered a wise decision or justifiable approach by any individual or group, as they bring great suffering to innocent, brave, and dutiful jawans and their families who are themselves a part of our society," it said.
Such actions also risk diverting the attention from core issues, particularly the lawful and genuine rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to return and resettle in their original lands, said the CFJM.
It is deeply painful that special legal protections meant to safeguard women and children are not being implemented effectively, leaving them unprotected when IDPs wait for justice, it added.
Despite the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur, peace and even the basic normalcy of free movement of Meiteis along the National Highways remain elusive, it said.
The Highways remain restricted to the Meiteis--often by actions of both the Central and State forces for fear of public safety against Kuki militants, who stand in contradiction to the spirit of law and the expectations of the public, it said.
The people of Manipur deserve safety, dignity, and free passage on the Highways without fear, it added.
"Today, as we remember the day of the Merger Agreement, which coincides with the International Day of Peace, we call upon every citizen, organization, and authority to rise above division among the citizens and act with wisdom and compassion. Let this day be not only one of remembrance but also one of renewed commitment to justice, peace, and the protection of every life in Manipur," said the CFJM.
IMPHAL, Sep 21: Reflecting on the present situation in Manipur 76 years after its merger with India, the Citizens for Justice, Manipur (CFJM) has called on the people, civil organisations and Government authorities to "choose peace, dialogue, and justice as the only way forward."
"Violence will not solve our collective problems - it will only deepen wounds and delay the path to reconciliation, justice, and restoration of rights," the CFJM said in a statement.
It expressed profound grief and concern over the ambush on security forces personnel at Nambol Sabal Leikai on September 19.
"Such actions cannot be considered a wise decision or justifiable approach by any individual or group, as they bring great suffering to innocent, brave, and dutiful jawans and their families who are themselves a part of our society," it said.
Such actions also risk diverting the attention from core issues, particularly the lawful and genuine rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to return and resettle in their original lands, said the CFJM.
It is deeply painful that special legal protections meant to safeguard women and children are not being implemented effectively, leaving them unprotected when IDPs wait for justice, it added.
Despite the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur, peace and even the basic normalcy of free movement of Meiteis along the National Highways remain elusive, it said.
The Highways remain restricted to the Meiteis--often by actions of both the Central and State forces for fear of public safety against Kuki militants, who stand in contradiction to the spirit of law and the expectations of the public, it said.
The people of Manipur deserve safety, dignity, and free passage on the Highways without fear, it added.
"Today, as we remember the day of the Merger Agreement, which coincides with the International Day of Peace, we call upon every citizen, organization, and authority to rise above division among the citizens and act with wisdom and compassion. Let this day be not only one of remembrance but also one of renewed commitment to justice, peace, and the protection of every life in Manipur," said the CFJM.