New Delhi; 9th May 2023: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has called on the Union Government to take effective measures to end violence and restore peace in Manipur.
Condemning the violence in Manipur, JIH Vice-President Prof. Salim Engineer said in a press statement, that the North-East state is divided along ethnic, religious, and geographic lines, and there was a breakdown in law and order, while the state government failed to control the situation.
Calling the prolonged violence in Manipur, in which over 65 people have lost their lives, a matter of great concern for the whole country, the JIH Vice-President demanded the Government of India exert all efforts to ensure the restoration of peace and normalcy in both the Imphal Valley and hilly districts at the earliest, as the Centre has taken over the security of the state.
Prof. Salim felt that there had been a systematic effort in the last few years to create a climate of hate and polarisation in the country to gain and retain political power. Noting that the climate of hate aids in triggering violence when there is mistrust and misunderstanding between different communities, he called on the state administration to apply all measures to defuse communal hatred in the state and take stern action against hate mongers. Prof. Salim further demanded that the anti-social elements involved in killing innocent people be dealt with an iron hand, and the government should also take stern actions against the conspirators and perpetrators of violence without fearing any political loss.
Stressing the importance of creating a climate of communal amity and a sense of unity among the various tribes and communities, the JIH Vice-President has also strongly condemned the vandalization and desecration of churches and other religious places in Manipur.
Commenting that the approach of taking big decisions just to have political gains, without taking the confidence of all stakeholders in a matter is very dangerous for the country and the society, Prof. Salim said that the home minister should have visited the state and the prime minister should have issued a statement on the issue.
Praying for peace in the region and offering condolences to those who lost their lives in the violence, the JIH leader appreciated all those who set up refugee camps to offer relief and rehabilitation to the victims of violence.
