The violence in Manipur has destroyed “a fine social fabric built over thousands of years”, an association of Manipuris in Kolkata said on Thursday.
“At the bottom what has been hard hit is the destruction of a fine social fabric which has been built over thousands of years and nurtured so carefully by our ancestors, based on mutual trust, respect and co-existence. We have inherited it from our forefathers. Today, a deep scar has been created and the psyche of all the people have really been badly hit without any exception,” said a statement issued by Manipuris in Kolkata, which appealed for an end to the bloodshed.
“All of us have painfully witnessed and endured the recent happenings. There has been innumerable loss of precious lives, loss of honour and dignity, loss of properties. Many families, brothers and sisters are still displaced. Many have lost near and dear ones, livelihood, sense of safety and peace of mind. Manipuris in Kolkata (MIK) share all the pain and we stand along with our heartfelt solidarity at this difficult time,” said the statement.
The violence in the northeastern state led to the death of at least 60 people and injuries to many more. Close to 2,000 houses have been damaged.
MIK has around 300 active members and more than 1,000 total members. Like in Manipur, the majority of them in Kolkata are from the Meitei community.
Khumukcham Roshan, vice-president of the association, told The Telegraph: “The problem should have been resolved by the government long ago. Instead, it was kept under the table and the problem snowballed into such a disaster.”
The total number of Manipuris in Kolkata would be in excess of 4,000, he said. “All of us are peace-loving,” said Roshan.
The note appealed for an immediate end to the bloodshed.
“We are fully committed to finding a way forward to build a progressive, all-inclusive Manipur. Together, hand in hand, let us find our way back, rekindle our centuries-old bond. Peacefully, let us shed our differences, misgivings and bounce back stronger to a prosperous and peaceful Manipur,” the statement said.
“Everyone knows that Manipur has been inhabited by two groups, hill people and valley people. Our history dates back to 233 AD. The scar from the violence has gone very deep. I think there are external forces at play behind this crisis. But now it is time to end this violence at once. Before the advent of the British, there was peaceful brotherhood among our people. That is our original state. We should go back to that state, under the Constitution of India. Let us unite once again,” said Ngashepam Anita, a government employee and a member of the association.