Manipur strife: Candlelight vigil in city today

SHILLONG, July 21: As a mark of solidairty with the people of Manipur who continue to bear the brunt of ethnic violence, a candlelight vigil will be held at Don Bosco Square, Laitumkhrah, at 4 pm on Sunday to show collective indignation towards the current state of affairs in Manipur, condemn the brutality of violence against women as a weapon of war, and to demand a cessation of violence and accountability from the strife-torn state.
Meanwhile, president of the Shillong Manipur Students’ Union (SMSU), Thangamba Meeitei on Saturday voiced concern over the video of the two girls being paraded naked which went viral.  According to him, such a crime or injustice has never before happened in Manipur. “We are shocked. Several civil society organisations have condemned this incident and even house of the accused was burned. Everyone responsible for this should be booked,” the SMSU president said.
Flagging the issue of disinformation, he said, “We have to be very sensitive as we need to verify (facts) before sharing anything since it might worsen the situation,” Meetei said.
A dejected Meiitei said that the Centre has failed to take action to resolve the situation in Manipur, which has persisted for almost three months.
“Instead of fighting, blaming or targeting each other, we should give a chance for peace. Let’s come to a discussion table. If there is no dialogue we should have a debate with the government. We should come at least to a conclusion,” he said.
On the other hand, the Meghalaya Manipuri Welfare Society (MMWS) in a meeting held on Saturday, strongly condemned the shameful act of disrobing two women and parading them naked.