SHILLONG, May 4: The state government is making arrangements to evacuate around 200 Meghalaya students from Manipur which is witnessing a spate of violence and heightened tension.
The decision was taken during a meeting convened by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma with senior officials of his government on Thursday to monitor the situation in Manipur.
Sangma said the government is trying to make arrangements in terms of transportation to evacuate the students at the earliest.
The government is likely to open a helpline number for parents and students.
He appealed to the people of Manipur to maintain peace and resolve issues amicably. Stating that religious sentiments should not be hurt, he said attack on religious institutions is not healthy for a society.
The Manipur violence had its spillover in Shillong. A group fight occurred at Nongrim Hills on Thursday.
East Khasi Hills SP Sylvester Nongtnger said the Laitumkhrah police station received information at around 5:30 pm about a group fight at Nongrim Hills near Mizo Modern School. He said the police rushed to the area and found two persons of one community being manhandled by a group from another community. The police nabbed 16 persons for fomenting trouble.
“Stringent measures will be taken against those wanting to vitiate peace in the city,” the SP said.
Church body expresses solidarity with Manipur Christians
The Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF) expressed concern over the desecration of churches in Manipur.
“A day after about 24 churches have been desecrated, ransacked or burnt down, we hear reports of many more churches bearing the brunt of this sacrilegious and inhuman onslaught of hatred against Christians in the region, specifically at the moment in Manipur…
“While the majority of the victims are Christians who are indigenous to the land and presently living in fear of the night, now we hear that even Meitei Christians and their churches as well as other places of worship have been targeted,” the KJCLF said in a statement.
The Forum condemned those perpetrated violence on the members of tribal and Christian communities and the destruction of places of worship and conveyed its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
“The Forum stands in solidarity with those who have been affected by this and evacuated from their dwellings and given shelter in paramilitary camps, and exhorts them to remain strong, vigilant and united together…
“The Forum appeals to the ruling dispensation in both Manipur and the Centre to expeditiously bring an end to this lawlessness and initiate other means to resolve issues which affect the very existence of our fellow citizens irrespective of religion or ethnicity,” the statement said.
The Forum urged Sangma to intercede with his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh to protect the lives and properties of the tribals and Christians, including their places of worship.
The Shillong All Faiths Forum (SAFF) also expressed grief over the loss of lives and property in Manipur.
“It is a concern to humanity when precious lives are lost in fights and violence. It is the duty of every human being to preserve and dignify human life. We appeal to the government of the state to immediately put an end to violence that is affecting the people. Turmoil and disharmony will not only cause discomfort but it will take away the sense of brotherhood among the various communities living in the state,” SAFF said in a statement.
“We appeal to all the people of different communities to work for peace and reconciliation. May the Almighty God bless the state of Manipur and the whole country with peace and love,” the statement added.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of India (PCI) has also expressed concern over the ongoing unrest in Manipur.
“It is heartbreaking to know that places of worship are being attacked and houses are being torched forcing many people to leave their homes,” PCI senior administrative secretary, Rev. Dr. K. Lalrinkima said in a statement.
Expressing his heartfelt condolences to the family of the victims, he said the church stands in solidarity with them.
Rev Lalrinkima also appealed to all the parties involved in the unrest to maintain peace and harmony and avoid actions detrimental to the social harmony and safety of the people.
“We also appeal to the government to take every step to protect all sections of the people and their assets, to protect the places of worship, to contain the unrest immediately and at the same time prevent further escalation,” he said.