Meitei diaspora worldwide appeals to PM Modi to restore normalcy in Manipur
The Meitei Diaspora worldwide and their supporters have written an Open Letter to the Hon’ble PM of India, Shri Narendra Modi, appealing to him for immediate action to restore normalcy in Manipur. Around 1300 well-wishers signed the open letter within 48 hours.
The petition to the Prime Minister initiated by Meiteis NRIs and Meiteis of Indian origin implored the Prime Minister to pave the way for a harmonious Manipur. The Open Letter signed by concerned Meitei Diaspora worldwide and their supporters was submitted to the PMO on Monday, 4th September 2023.
FULL TEXT BELOW:
To,
Shri Narendra Modi,
Prime Minister of India,
152, South Block, Raisina Hill,
New Delhi – 110011
3 September 2023
Subject: Urgent Plea for Immediate Intervention to Restore Normalcy and Harmony in Manipur
Respected Prime Minister Sir,
On this solemn 3rd September, 2023, Manipur stands at the threshold of the fifth month, engulfed in turmoil. We, the Meitei Diaspora and our supporters, write to you today with a heavy heart and seek your intervention to end the violence and bring normalcy in Manipur, protect our farmers, and foster enduring peace amongst all the communities in Manipur.
As India makes significant strides in development and prepares to host the G20 summit, the persistence of violence in Manipur threatens to undermine these achievements. The ongoing violence in Manipur has fractured the social fabric of the state. As custodians of the aspirations for a united and harmonious Manipur and India, we earnestly implore you to take resolute measures to prevent further escalation of the situation. The people of Manipur deserve lives free from fear, where they can thrive in an atmosphere marked by peace, stability and safety.
The turmoil has placed our farmers, the backbone of our society, in grave jeopardy. The tragic incidents of farmers being attacked highlights their predicaments. For instance, on 29 August 2023, Salam Jotin, a 37-year-old farmer was shot by a long-range sniper gun while working at his field at Naranseina, Bishnupur District. The situation has been exacerbated by the displacement of many farmers currently forced to live in relief camps. Manipur is on the verge of a conflict-induced famine and starvation as farmers are not able to work in their fields despite the presence of security forces for their protection.
The ongoing violence has jeopardised the future of thousands of students, forcing them to discontinue their education. These harsh circumstances not only interrupt their current schooling but also cast an immense threat over their future opportunities. Education serves as the foundation for personal advancement and development. When violence forcibly removes this opportunity, it deprives the students of their potential and the possibility of realising their aspirations. This repercussion reverberates beyond individual lives, impeding the progress and prosperity of our society. Putting an end to senseless violence becomes paramount in preserving the dreams and ambitions of our youth.
Appeal for Immediate Intervention to Restore Normalcy in Manipur
Sir, we acknowledge the intricate complexities inherent to our Manipur society – the Meiteis, the Nagas, and the Kuki communities, each with their own unique identities and aspirations. However, the pivotal role of your esteemed office is to serve as a binding force that ensures the protection and progress of every Indian citizen. By initiating meaningful dialogues among these communities, you hold the key to nurturing understanding and collaboration, paving the way for peaceful
coexistence.
We implore you to engage personally with the Chief Minister of Manipur and the relevant authorities to restore the normalcy in our Manipur. The innocent people of Manipur have borne the burden of suffering beyond imagination and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being.
Sir, as the Leader of our Great Nation, you have the power to shape the destiny of our Manipur and to illuminate the path of effective governance, empathy and bring in the much needed unity of the people of Manipur. We humbly request you to visit Manipur and meet the affected people by this senseless violence and ongoing turmoil. Your presence in Manipur and immediate intervention will bring hope and a sense of security to the violence ridden people and assure their life and livelihood.
We hope your Leadership will pave the way to a peaceful and prosperous Manipur.
Sincerely,
Meitei Diaspora and Supporters.
Copy to:
● Shri Amit Shah, Hon’ble Minister of Home Affairs of India
● Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Defence of India
● Shri Dr. S Jaishankar, Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs of India
● Shri N. Biren Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur
Appeal for Immediate Intervention to Restore Normalcy in Manipur