Pune, 27th June 2023: The Meitei Nupi Lup, Pune, organized a sit-in protest near the Collector’s Office in Pune on Monday, June 26, to advocate for peace and unity in Manipur. The protest shed light on the issues of narco-terrorism and illegal immigration that have plagued Manipur, aiming to raise awareness and prompt action against these pressing concerns. Participants observed a moment of silence to pay tribute to the lives lost due to the ongoing violence.
Manipur continues to grapple with a severe crisis, with more than 100 casualties and approximately 60,000 individuals displaced, seeking refuge in rehabilitation centers. Despite the gravity of the situation, the lack of a significant response from the Prime Minister has left affected communities anxious and eager for reconciliation. The region remains engulfed in a war-like environment, with frequent reports of heavy firing, clashes, and the presence of multiple security forces.
Over 100 individuals representing diverse communities and religions in Pune joined the protest, expressing solidarity with Manipur and demanding immediate action from both the Central and State governments to restore peace. Slogans such as “We Want Peace in Manipur,” “Stop Hill Valley Divide,” and “Meitei Lives Matter” echoed through the demonstration, underscoring the demonstrators’ commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and identity of the indigenous people.
Prominent figures like Adv Geetarani Takhellambam, Dr. Jyotsna Angom, and Rohan Philem, a renowned cyclist and social activist, delivered impassioned speeches, urging the government to intervene urgently and emphasizing the need for unity among the communities in Manipur.
Meitei families from Churachanpur, currently residing in Pune, shared their heart-wrenching accounts of fleeing their homes on May 3, 2023, out of fear for their lives. Additionally, Ashutosh Juvale, Anand Manaktala, and Ravikarn Rawal, husbands of Meitei Ningols settled in Pune, passionately appealed for immediate actions to curb the violence.
Rohan Philem, the cyclist and social activist known for his initiative “Cycling for Humanity,” vehemently condemned violence and the dissemination of false information based on religion and biased narratives. The speakers emphasized that the conflict in Manipur transcends religious and tribal divisions.
One protestor expressed concern over the government’s silence and called for swift intervention to restore peace and alleviate the hardships faced by the Manipuri people. Educational institutions remain closed, the internet has been shut down for nearly two months, and the prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed. Manipur, despite being a small state, has made significant contributions to India’s international sports, arts, and culture, urging authorities not to overlook their plight.
The Meitei Nupi Lup, Pune, submitted a memorandum to the District Collector of Pune, addressing the Prime Minister of India, the Governor of Maharashtra, and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, urging them to pay urgent attention to the situation in Manipur and take immediate steps to restore peace.
The protest concluded with a resounding demand for proactive measures from the government to restore peace and safeguard the integrity of Manipur. The Meitei community in Pune remains determined to raise awareness and support their fellow Manipuris in their pursuit of peace and justice.
