George Abraham, IOCUSA Vice-Chair, urgently deplores the
renewed violence in Manipur.
Los Angeles/Nov 21, 2024
NRIpress.club/ Ramesh/A.Gary Singh
‘We strongly deplore the dastardly acts of the Arambai Tenggol and Meitei extremists who are
once again engaging in killings and burning down houses of worship and vandalizing and
destroying houses and properties belonging to the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar indigenous tribes in the
Jiribam town, Manipur. We equally condemn the killing of six Meitei women and children by the
armed thugs who have precipitated the current flare-up. It once more illustrates the abject failure
of the Modi-Shah government in restoring peace in Manipur and rehabilitating the displaced,’ said George Abraham, Vice-Chair of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA.
Some would argue that these issues have been complex and based on historical grievances
between various tribes. However, to any independent observer, Arambai Tenggol groups
encouraged by radical Hindutva elements have not only targeted Christian Churches and
Institutions belonging to Kuki-Zo but also the Meitei tribe in the last several months. It appears
to be a calculated and orchestrated attempt targeting primarily the Christian minority in the state
regardless of their tribal origins.
It is mind-boggling to see Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar
expressing concerns about the safety and religious freedom of Overseas Indians who live in
Western democracies where their civil rights are better protected while doing nothing to protect
their citizens in a state ruled by a BJP government. Isn’t it also ironic to see our leaders trying to
broker peace between Ukraine and Russia while standing idle and looking helpless to settle the
disputes and end violence mostly between Hindu and Christian tribes? We urge the Central
Government to prioritize the safety of its citizens in Manipur, showing the same level of zeal they
exhibit towards foreign governments.
The BJP government under Biren Singh has totally failed in protecting the life and properties of
all its citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations, and the people have lost confidence in his
capacity or willingness to arrest the ongoing violence and killings. Therefore, we urge the Mod
government to intervene quickly and take steps to bring about long-lasting peace and rehabilitation of thousands of Kuki-Zo people who are still living in the refugee camps.
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