SHILLONG, July 24: The Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong ka Bri u Hynniewtrep, a conglomerate of traditional village heads of Khasi-Jaintia Hills, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, terming the violence in Manipur as “ethnic cleansing” of tribals and demanding President’s Rule.
“After the imposition of President’s Rule, a thorough investigation should be conducted to pinpoint the architects and the perpetrators of the entire conflict. These people must be punished with the utmost severity,” the Synjuk wrote.
It demanded the constitution of a neutral team, devoid of any political involvement or interference, to look for the restoration of peace.
“We express our utmost sorrow with regard to the entire Manipur fiasco. And we strongly protest against the atrocities meted out to the tribal women as seen on social media and reported by all media houses,” the Synjuk said.
“You are certainly well versed about our ethnic identity as Hynniewtrep tribals (Khasi-Jaintia). The Manipur conflict has instilled fear and distrust in our minds.
Being tribals ourselves, we are pained to see our tribal brethren being singled out and subjected to unfathomable inhumane atrocities…
“The entire Manipur episode appears to have been brewed over a period of time and looks like a well-scripted move to oust the tribal populace from the place they call home. The fear among the tribal communities in the country is real and genuine; hence, the state and Union governments must take utmost care to safeguard their survival,” the letter to Modi reads.
The Synjuk alleged the Manipur government has failed to deliver unbiased and fair governance and has been accused of partying with the community that perpetrated the violence.
“The violence in Manipur is an act of ethnic cleansing. Therefore, other tribes of Northeast (including the tribes of Meghalaya) share the same apprehension as that of the tribals of Manipur. This apprehension is not merely based on presumptions but on facts,” the Synjuk wrote in its letter.
It added: “We look forward to a favourable future in Manipur with your able intervention and may you be blessed with the wisdom to steer Manipur back to the path of peace and prosperity.”
It demanded monetary compensation for all the victims, irrespective of their ethnicity, so that they could somehow re-establish themselves.
