Manipur Violence: Thousands Turn Out For ‘Solidarity March’ In Mizoram

AIZAWL (IANS) – Thousands of persons on July 25 took part in the ‘Solidarity March’, organized by the NGOs Coordination Committee in the Mizoram capital on July 25 to express solidarity with the violence-hit Kuki-Zo tribals in Manipur, and demanded the Central and Manipur government restore peace and normalcy at the earliest.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, his deputy Tawnluia, several ministers, and many MLAs of the state cutting across party lines took part in the massive march.

The ‘Solidarity March’, which was held in Aizawl and various other districts simultaneously, has also strongly condemned the Central and Manipur government for the “brutal attacks” on the tribals and atrocious sexual assaults on the tribal women.

Carrying placards and banners, the spirited ‘Solidarity March’ slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his “silence” and criticized Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for his total failure to deal with the situation.

“The suffering of tribals in Manipur is our suffering”, “Mizoram stands with Kuki-Zo tribals”, “Let us not go back to barbaric era”, “Women’s bodies are not battlefields”, “Death penalty for Manipur rapists”, “Stop killing Christians in Manipur”, were among the messages on the banners and placards.

Briefing the media, Young Mizo Association Assistant General Secretary Malsawmliana said that during the over 84-day-long ethnic violence, the way human rights were violated in Manipur is unparalleled and never witnessed in India. Many singers sang various solidarity songs while the volunteers collected donations for the affected people.

The participants in the ‘Solidarity March’ displayed national flags as well as organizational flags. After the ‘Solidarity March’, the NCC issued a statement saying that the disrespect shown to fellow humans has “blackened the face of Indian democracy”.

“So far, 359 churches and quarters have been destroyed, 197 villages burnt, 7,247 homes damaged by fire, and 41,425 people have been forced to leave Manipur. Many students studying in Manipur cannot continue their studies due to this ethnic conflict. This may have far-reaching effects on the lives of the students and even the country as a whole,” the statement said.

The offices of the ruling Mizo National Front, opposition BJP, Congress, and Zoram People’s Movement were also closed in support of the solidarity rallies.

At the rally, NGO Co-ordination Committee Chairman R. Lalngheta urged the Centre to end the violence in Manipur.

“If the Indian government considers us as Indian, it should take immediate steps to address the sufferings of the Kuki-Zo community people in Manipur,” he said.