People from different walks of life took part in the peace march for Manipur on Sunday.
The Telegraph spoke to a few of them asking why they walked.
Ian Myers
Principal, Frank Anthony Public School
“I am here to show solidarity with the people of Manipur. It is so sad that those who are in a position to do something are not doing enough, are not doing fast enough and are not doing for enough people.”
Joseph Chacko
Schoolteacher
“Now I am feeling insecure as a person belonging to the minority community. When your voice is not heard, that’s when insecurity grows.”
Jacqueline Osta
Schoolteacher
“The entire country needs to stand up and speak on behalf of the people of Manipur. The central government should do more to resolve the situation.”
Vienna Gonsalves
Private firm employee
“When you see people suffering, it hurts. Why are people being harmed in Manipur? By harming them you are suppressing them. You are not giving them a voice to express themselves.”
Riiring Roel
Works in a salon
“My family (mother, brother and sister) is in Komlathabi village in Chandel district in Manipur,” she said.
“They are safe so far, but they cannot go to buy things they need for everyday living. They have to depend on those who have a personal vehicle. Everything is so expensive there now because there is barely any supply. I cannot go to see my family and I cannot bring them here to Kolkata. It takes me over an hour by bus or a hired car to travel from Imphal to my village, but I hear there is no public transport available. I am praying for my family in Manipur and for others,” said Roel
Lena Ward
Homemaker
“If my prayer can help those who are suffering, then I will do that. Why is it (violence) going on for so long in Manipur? Why is it not being settled? Why is it being ignored?”
The 70-year-old came to participate in the peace march with her husband despite her children asking her not to go.