Forum for Restoration of Peace’s Ashang Kasar appeals for peaceful coexistence

Ashang Kasar, the convener of the Forum for Restoration of Peace, passionately urged all communities to embrace peaceful coexistence during a press conference at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.
In his address, Kasar vehemently denounced the attacks on three Tangkhul youths on December 3, 2023, at Sawombung, allegedly orchestrated by a group of Meira Paibis and unidentified insurgents. He also condemned the assault on two Rongmei ladies by Meira Paibis at a Community Hall in Bishnupur on December 8, 2023.
Expressing his deep concern, Kasar stated, “The repeated violent attacks on innocent Naga civilians in the Imphal valley, attributed to unknown Meitei groups and Meira Paibis, have profoundly disturbed our collective conscience. The Nagas now grapple with a sense of insecurity in Imphal and its environs. Should these attacks persist unchecked against the Nagas, it could potentially escalate into an unwarranted crisis in the Naga-dominated districts of Manipur.
“These incidents are not isolated occurrences; they pose a significant threat to the harmony of all communities coexisting in the state of Manipur, particularly in the Imphal area,” he said. The executive committee of the Forum for the Restoration of Peace passionately implores all citizens to champion peaceful coexistence.
Highlighting the potential consequences, Kasar emphasized, “If such incidents persist, the repercussions may not only be unwarranted but also detrimental to the sentiments of the Naga community. While the Meitei and Kuki conflict persists, no clashes have occurred between the Naga and Meitei communities.”
Attributing these incidents to the collateral damage resulting from the government’s failure to maintain law and order in Manipur, the forum executive urgently appeals to the state government to take decisive action in controlling and reining in anti-social elements.
They stress the importance of preventing further escalation of ethnic conflicts within Manipur. Kasar declared, “Since the outbreak of communal carnage in the state, Valley unknown groups have perpetrated a series of physical abuses, violent attacks, and killings against the Nagas.”
The Forum fervently appeals to the Manipur state government to promptly apprehend and prosecute the culprit in strict adherence to the law. Kasar emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “If the Manipur Government fails to treat this matter with due seriousness, it will lead us to conclude that effective governance is lacking in Manipur. This would signify a complete breakdown of law and order in the state. Consequently, we urge all citizens to exercise heightened sensitivity in handling any situation, recognizing its potential to pose a threat to communal harmony.”
Meanwhile, the Naga Peoples Union in Imphal has formally submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister N Biren Singh, vehemently condemning the inhuman and unlawful physical assault inflicted upon two Romgmei Naga girls from Loyala School. The distressing incident took place at Bishnupur Community Hall on December 8.
In the memorandum, the Naga Peoples’ Union Imphal (NPUI) urgently appeals to Chief Minister N Biren Singh for decisive and stringent action against the perpetrators, in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Within the memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister, the NPUI highlights that they have received credible information and reports from reliable sources concerning the appalling physical assault on Miss Anna Dangmei, the Warden of Loyala School, and her younger sister, Miss Rita Dangmei. Both victims hail from Thingpui (Lairnanai) Kabul Naga village.
The NPUI urges the Chief Minister to take immediate and serious cognizance of the matter and to ensure that justice is swiftly delivered to the victims, while holding the culprits accountable for their reprehensible actions.