Aizawl, July 25: Thousands of men and women on Tuesday took part in the ‘Solidarity March’, organised by the NGOs Coordination Committee (NCC) in Mizoram in solidarity of the violence hit Kuki-Zo tribals in Manipur, and demanded to the Central and Manipur government to 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 ‘Solidarity March’ in Aizawl.
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 attack’ 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 criticised Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for his total failure to deal with the situation.
“The sufferings of tribals in Manipur is our sufferings,” “Mizoram stands with Kuki-Zo tribals in Mizoram,” “Let us not go back to barbaric era”, “Women bodies are not battlefield”, “Death penalty for Manipur rapists”, “Stop killing Christians in Manipur”, the banners and placards read.
While briefing the media, Young Mizo Association (YMA) Assistant General Secretary Malsawmliana said that during the over 84 day long ethnic violence, 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 organisational flags.
After the ‘Solidarity March’, the NCC issued a statement saying that the disrespect shown to our fellow humans has blackened the face of Indian democracy.
“So far, 359 churches and quarters have been destroyed, 197 villages burnt, 7247 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 (ZPM) were also closed in support of the solidarity rallies.
From 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.
The NGOs Coordination Committee comprising five major civil society organisations in Mizoram, including the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the Mizoram Upa (senior citizens) Pawl, the Mizo Hmeichhe (women) Insuihkhawm Pawl, and two prominent students’ organisations – the Mizo Zirlai Pawl and the Mizo Students’ Union organised the ‘Solidarity March’ in support of the Kuki-Zo tribals in Manipur.
Meanwhile, YMA General Secretary Lalnuntluanga issued a statement appealing to the Meitei community people residing in Aizawl and other parts of Mizoram not to worry but to maintain a sense of serenity in light of Tuesday’s Solidarity March.
“The ‘Solidarity March’ aims to express support for our brothers and sisters in Manipur. The YMA also urges the Manipur government to take necessary measures to ensure their well-being and security,” the statement said.
Security was tightened across Mizoram in view of the ‘Solidarity March’ .
After the series of meetings led by Mizoram Director General of police (DGP) Anil Shukla heavy deployment of police, patrolling, and close vigilance on the situation were ensured in all 11 districts, especially in the vulnerable areas, to prevent any untoward incident.
Meanwhile, after the issuance of an “advisory” by the Peace Accord MNF Returnees’ Association (PAMRA) last week, around 280 Meitei community people in Mizoram left the state for Manipur.
Around 2,000 non-tribal Meitei families from Manipur and Assam have been living in various places of Mizoram, including Aizawl, for many years and are engaged in various government and non–government works, studies, and business.
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