IT News
Imphal, May 3:
Today, various organizations in Manipur are conducting commemoration events to mark the one-year anniversary of the violence that shook the region on May 3, 2023123. These events aim to honour the memories of those affected and shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by the community.
Among the events scheduled are a call to observe May 3 as ‘Kuki-Zo Awakening Day’, a ‘condolence service’ in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi. In Imphal’s Iboyaima Sumang Leela Sanglen, the Corordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) convened a public meeting under the theme ‘365 days of Chin-Kuki Narco Terrorist Aggression’ in Imphal. Throughout Imphal, similar events are being organized under various names, including Anti-Terrorism Day, Indigenous People Awakening Day, ‘Ema Leibakta Singnarakpa Numit’ (Changes to our Motherland) and ‘May 23- Amuk Hanna Yengba Numit’ (Revisiting May 3, 2023) by organisation like FOCS and AMUCO . On the other hand, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) organized this day as a remembrance event at the “Wall of Remembrance” near the DC Office in Churachandpur, featuring prayer sessions and speeches.
However, amidst these commemorations, questions linger regarding the motives behind the year-long violence. Expressing frustration, one inmate in a relief camp in Imphal questioned why the government has allowed the violence to persist for a year without meaningful resolution. “Are we going to commemorate this next year, when will all this end?” they asked, reflecting the sentiment of many.
While resolution seems distant, the mood among many is a pledge to continue the fight for justice and peace. However, criticism is directed towards the government by many for failing to provide satisfactory answers or concrete actions to address the underlying issues.
As Manipur remembers the victims of last year’s violence, the call for meaningful dialogue and decisive action to resolve the conflict grows among the community and also questions to the government, both in the state and in centre, as well.
Sana Pheiroijam, a concerned citizen while talking to Imphal Times said, “Why has not the government both at the Center and the State initiated any measures for restoration of peace?”
