Civil society leaders seek Shah's role to restore peace

AIZAWL: A team of leaders of civil societies in Mizoram met Union home minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Monday and submitted a memorandum asking the Centre to intervene and bring peace expeditiously in violence-hit Manipur.
The team pleaded Shah for his intervention for the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state as well as for the safety and security of Zo-ethnic brethren.
In the memorandum, the civil societies said they are deeply shocked and saddened by the incidents which led to the death of 60 people, left hundreds injured and displaced, attacking of religious places, vandalising and torching of houses, vehicles and even places of worship.
"We are deeply concerned about the situation faced by thousands of people who have lost their lives, houses, property, vehicles and other belongings. As a result of this devastating incident, our people in Manipur have had to flee their homes and take refuge in our state i.e. Mizoram. So, the central and Manipur governments should take this matter seriously and provide compensation for the loss of life and damages incurred as a result of this incident," the memorandum said.
Thousands of students from Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, National Sports University, Imphal and other institutes in Manipur have left their studies and gone back to their respective states, the civil society leaders said.
"It is also to remind you that the Zo-ethnic group is the indigenous people who have occupied the hill areas of Manipur from time immemorial. They have a rich cultural heritage and have made significant contributions to the social, economic and political fabric of the region. It is truly heartbreaking to see that they are facing problems in their own land due to the prevailing ethnic violence. The ongoing ethnic clashes have had a devastating impact which forced them to flee their homes, leaving behind their possessions and livelihoods," the memorandum said.