IT News
Imphal, Oct 4:
Veteran trade unionist Dr. Babasaheb Pandurang Adhav is set to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other central leaders, and Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh, urging them to take immediate steps to restore peace in the conflict-ridden state of Manipur. Widely known as Baba, the 94-year-old champion of the working class has joined the growing chorus of prominent voices advocating for an end to the ongoing crisis.
Baba expressed his concern, stating, “We cannot remain silent when Manipur has been in turmoil for the past 17 months, resulting in the loss of around 240 lives, displacing over 60,000 people, and causing widespread devastation.” He made these remarks during a discussion with senior journalists from Manipur in Pune on October 30, focusing on the state’s ongoing conflict.
The event, which was also attended by a group of lawyers and social activists, was organized by Sarhad, a renowned social, educational, and cultural organization dedicated to supporting communities in conflict-affected border regions, along with Mahatma Jotirao Phule Samata Pratishthan.
Baba emphasized the need for immediate intervention, saying, “We will be writing to the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other central leaders, as well as Manipur’s Chief Minister, urging them to make every possible effort to restore peace in Manipur as soon as possible.”
The visiting journalists shared firsthand accounts of the prolonged conflict and highlighted the government’s failure to bring about a resolution. Baba voiced his disappointment, criticizing the Prime Minister’s lack of action, stating, “The PM has not found time to visit Manipur to stop the violence, yet he traveled to war-torn Ukraine as a peace mediator.”
Social activist Mohan Wadekar echoed Baba’s sentiments, adding, “The Prime Minister is not giving the Manipur crisis the attention it deserves. We will appeal to him to prioritize peace and normalcy in the state.”
Wadekar, who is also a prominent lawyer, stressed the urgency of halting the violence, saying, “We have held multiple rallies to demand an end to the conflict in Manipur. Restoring peace and normalcy in the northeastern state is the need of the hour.”
The visiting journalists included Brojendro Ningombam, K Sarojkumar Sharma, and Keisham Yaiphaba, who provided detailed insights into the ongoing conflict during the session.