Meitei Community In Pune Organizes Protest Against Violence In Manipur
Pune, 27th June 2023: On Monday, June 26, a sit-in protest demanding peace and unity in Manipur was held near the Collector’s Office in Pune from 5 pm to 7 pm. Organized by Meitei Nupi Lup, Pune, the protest aimed to raise awareness about the issues of narco-terrorism and illegal immigration in Manipur. The protestors observed a moment of silence to honor the lives lost due to the ongoing violence.
With over 100 casualties and 60,000 displaced individuals seeking refuge in rehabilitation centres, Manipur continues to face a grave crisis. Despite the severity of the situation, there has been a noticeable lack of response from the Prime Minister, leaving the affected communities concerned and seeking reconciliation. The region is engulfed in a war-like environment with frequent reports of heavy firing, clashes, and the presence of multiple security forces.
Over 100 individuals from diverse communities and religions in Pune joined the protest, expressing solidarity with Manipur and demanding immediate action from both the Central and State governments to restore peace. The demonstrators voiced slogans such as “We Want Peace in Manipur,” “Stop Hill Valley Divide,” and “Meitei Lives Matter,” highlighting their commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and identity of the indigenous people.
During the protest, prominent figures like Adv Geetarani Takhellambam, Dr Jyotsna Angom, and Rohan Philem, a renowned cyclist and social activist, appealed for urgent government intervention and emphasized the need for unity among the communities in Manipur.
Meitei families from Churachanpur, currently residing in Pune, shared their harrowing experiences of fleeing their homes on May 3, 2023, in fear for their lives. Additionally, Ashutosh Juvale, Anand Manaktala, and Ravikarn Rawal, husbands of Meitei Ningols settled in Pune, passionately appealed for immediate actions to curb the violence.
Rohan Philem, the cyclist and social activist known for his initiative “Cycling for Humanity,” strongly denounced violence and the dissemination of false information based on religion and one-sided narratives. The speakers emphasized that the conflict in Manipur transcends religious and tribal divisions.
One protestor expressed concern over the government’s silence, calling for swift intervention to restore peace and alleviate the hardships faced by the Manipuri people. Educational institutions remain closed, the internet has been shut down for nearly two months, and the prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed. Manipur, despite being a small state, has made significant contributions to India’s international sports, arts, and culture, urging authorities not to overlook their plight.
The Meitei Nupi Lup, Pune, submitted a memorandum to the District Collector of Pune, addressing the Prime Minister of India, the Governor of Maharashtra, and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, seeking their urgent attention to the situation in Manipur and the restoration of peace.
The protest concluded with a resounding demand for proactive measures from the government to restore peace and safeguard the integrity of Manipur.
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