MARGAO
A meeting held at Navelim on the Manipur situation on Saturday has resolved to petition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the Chief Minister of Manipur to take all steps and measures to ensure the protection of the Constitutional rights of the tribal people and the minorities living in the State.
High Court lawyer, Adv Cleofato Coutinho has said that a government which cannot handle a war-like situation in Manipur has no business to be there ruling the State.
The meeting has called upon the Central and State government to take measures on priority to take up the rehabilitation of the displaced people, compensate the victims of violence and reconstruct their houses.
While calling upon the State government to restore the internet services, the meeting has asked the government of Manipur to ensure the supply of essential commodities to the beleaguered people.
“With deep pain and anguish, we the citizens of India from Goa condemn the dastardly violence and injustice meted out to the people of Manipur, especially the violence perpetuated against the women of the State. For the last three months, Manipur has been burning and the State has failed in its duty to protect the lives of the people. According to latest reports, around 160 people have so far lost their lives due to violence. Entire villages and homes of people and their belongings have been burnt to ashes. Around 70,000 families have been displaced because of the violence. Elders and infants are all taking shelter at the relief camps. Many are taking shelter in the neighbouring states. The relief camps lack proper hygiene and water. There’s a big challenge to provide nutritious food. Children and youth are unable to attend school and colleges due to violence,” it was pointed out.
The meeting pointed out that women are the victims and the most affected, further stating that the State has failed to protect its citizens. “We are anguished and ashamed that men are disrobing and raping women in a conflict situation. We empathise and share in their grief,” the speakers said, while demanding that the State and Central government take all necessary measures to prevent recurrence of violence, arson and sexual attacks saying all crimes need to be dealt with a heavy hand.
Adv Cleofato Coutinho said if Manipur is facing a war-like situation and the administration cannot handle the situation, the government has no business to be there in the first place.
He went into the origin of the conflict between different tribes in Manipur and the situation in the North Eastern states.
Adv Caroline Collasco, who had visited Manipur and shared her experience about the ground reality in the North Eastern state, while John Shilsi shared his view on the ongoing conflict in Manipur as a native hailing from that State.
