The South Asia Forum for Freedom of Religion or Belief (SAFFoRB) is deeply distressed and concerned about the sudden eruption of violence in Manipur. Fifty people are reported to have been killed, and many of the places of worship including several Churches are attacked and burnt down. Unless the violence is stopped immediately and the guilty are booked, the peace and harmony in the State will be ruptured beyond repair.
It must be noted that both Meiteis and tribals have lived together in Manipur for centuries. These communities have been living as neighbors and have shared social and cultural spaces. What was a protest against the government policy turned into sectarian and barbaric violence, causing deaths, and destructions and rendering thousands homeless overnight on both sides.
The state government’s alleged inaction has allowed deaths and destruction to escalate. Partisan partisan political interest has fuelled the violence spiral to cause severe loss of human life and property. Clearly, the State failed to curb the violence sooner and maintain law and order and peace. Had it acted promptly and strongly, the damage would have been limited.
However, what is very heartening is that there are signs of sanity manifesting in acts of humanity and solidarity. In Lamka town a video of the tribal women holding hands and forming a chain to protect the Meitei community against an angry mob was seen. In Churachandpur, tribal villagers were protecting the Meitei community in their localities by taking them to the army which could escort them to safety.
We urge the Government of India to intervene to stop the violence immediately. They should give protection to all the people and take stringent action against those who are indulging in violence. The places of worship of all faith communities should be protected. We urge the state government should facilitate dialogues among all stakeholders on policy issues instead of supporting one community against others. The state government should function in an unbiased way in order to restore the traditional harmony and co-existence in the State.
South Asia Forum for Freedom of Religion or Belief (SAFFoRB) is a regional human rights network to protect and promote Freedom of Religion or Belief for everyone.