The Sadar Hills District Congress Committee (SH-DCC) has made a strong appeal to the people of Manipur to break the cycle of hatred, communalism and retaliatory violence, saying continued bloodshed will only deepen fear, displacement and mistrust among communities already devastated by the prolonged conflict.
Dr Lamminthang Haokip, President SH-DCC vehemently condemned the continuing violence, killings, arson, attacks on civilians and destruction of homes in parts of Manipur, particularly in the border areas of Kangpokpi and Senapati districts and the recent incidents in Tamenglong district.
The committee said no grievance, political objective or territorial dispute can justify the killing of innocent civilians, burning of homes, abductions, intimidation or displacement of families.
It condemned all acts of violence against civilians, irrespective of their community or identity, and said no family should be forced to lose loved ones or homes for conflicts beyond their control.
“Do no longer become victims of hatred and communalism, give peace a chance,” the SH-DCC said, making an impassioned appeal to all sections of society to reject violence and revenge.
The Congress district body appealed to all armed groups, community organisations, civil society leaders and individuals to immediately stop retaliatory violence, warning that further bloodshed would only widen the gulf between communities.
“Our mothers, sisters, daughters and elders should no longer be the victims of this state-sponsored violence and political rhetorics of few megalomaniacs,” it said.
The SH-DCC maintained that peace, harmony, mutual trust and progress could not be achieved through revenge, but required collective efforts towards protection of civilians, justice, accountability, dialogue and mutual respect.
It also put the state and Central governments on notice, calling for effective security in all vulnerable areas and villages and demanding that every act of violence be investigated promptly and impartially.
Those responsible for crimes, it said, must be prosecuted strictly according to law, while rejecting attempts to impose collective blame on entire communities.
“Criminal responsibility must be placed on individuals or organisations responsible for their specific crime, rather than on the entire community,” the committee said.
The SH-DCC further urged the state and district administrations and Central forces operating in the hill areas to ensure that civilians receive full security and protection, essential commodities reach their doorsteps and people can travel without fear or hesitation.
It said children must be allowed to pursue education and build their future rather than grow up amid violence and hatred.
The committee reiterated its solidarity with innocent victims, bereaved families and displaced persons, irrespective of community or identity, and urged all responsible stakeholders to choose dialogue and justice over retaliation.
The statement comes amid continuing tensions and fresh incidents of violence in several parts of Manipur, where communities have faced prolonged displacement, loss of lives and destruction of property.
