Solidarity prayer for violence against women & unrest in Manipur

August 13, 2023 23 Views No Comment

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 13

Eight apex tribal women organization in Nagaland today organized a “Solidarity prayer for violence against women and unrest in Manipur” at PHQ Junction Kohima.

Among the many placards carried by women at the programme included; “We condemn parading of women and gang rape,” “We are in solidarity with the people of Manipur,” “Rape is no solution,” “Restore peace in Manipur,” “We want peace in Manipur,” “ Stop brutal acts against women,” “Violence is not the solution,” etc.

A section of the participants of the ‘Solidarity Prayer for Violence Against Women and Unrest In Manipur” organised by the Eight apex tribal women organisation in Nagaland at PHQ Junction Kohima on August 12. The event concluded with a special mass prayer for the victims and their families. (Morung Photo)

‘Plea for peace and harmony’
Rengma Mothers Association (RMA) president Sojule Tep made a plea for peace and harmony for the state of Manipur “which has been torn apart by violence and hatred for the past three months.”

“We have always stood by each other as brothers and sisters, as fellow neighbours, as fellow Indians. But today, we are witnessing a tragic situation, where our Meitei and Kuki brothers and sisters are killing each other. We are witnessing a situation where women are being attacked and humiliated, where children are being orphaned and traumatized, where villages are being burned and looted, where religious places are being desecrated and destroyed. We are witnessing a situation where the state is being pushed to the brink of civil war,” she said.

“We, the mothers of Nagaland appeal to you to stop this madness. We appeal to you to lay down your arms and embrace dialogue. We appeal to you to respect each other’s rights and dignity. We appeal to you to uphold the values of democracy and secularism. We also appeal to the state and central governments to intervene urgently and effectively in this crisis. We urge them to address the root causes of the conflict,” Tep said.

The RMA president also appealed the media and civil society to play a constructive role in this situation, to report the facts objectively and responsibly, without sensationalizing or polarizing the issue.

‘We have a duty to speak up against social injustices’
“We often hear stories of violence, oppression or social injustice in far off lands but sadly it is happening right in our neighbouring state today. Many may question as to why the crisis in Manipur should be of any concern to us. But we cannot and must not remain mute spectators to the atrocities we are witnessing today and we have a duty to speak up against social injustices,” said Dr Zaiwang, president Zeliang Women Organization Kohima.

“Though there is not much physically/directly that we can do for Manipur crisis nonetheless we sincerely believe that our earnest prayers will be answered and be a source of solace and comfort to our brothers and sisters (be it the Kukis or the Meiteis),” she said.

“I stand pained, agonized and utterly shocked by the ghastly act carried out against the two women in Manipur in a widely circulated video that went viral on social media. What is even more unsettling is that there are reports that say that it is not an isolated event. There are other brutal acts of atrocities meted out to women that are unreported, silenced- and the women folk oblige to this because of the unfavorable and dire consequences. That a woman in a so called 21st century modern civilized society should be subjected to such tormenting and demoralizing acts is highly condemnable,” said Piholi, Kohima Sumi Totimi Hoho president.

Stating that violence against women and girls is a human right violation, Pochury Mothers Association (PMA) representative Atono Nyuthe pleaded “Let the right wisdom prevail upon the authority of the day to deliver justice and early solution in bringing peace in Manipur.”

Angami Women Organization president Neilhuzono Nagi appealed to all the citizens of Manipur to “Please stop this violence and let the peace and harmony prevail.”

“The need of the hour is for the government (state as well as central) to listen to the voice of the people and help in restoring peace in Manipur and for its people” said Renboni Ezung, Kohima Lotha Eloe Ekhung president.

Atoli, president Central Nagaland Women Association, Neivor Rutsa, vice president Angami Public Organization, Zhonelu Tunyi, president Chakhesang Mothers Association and Aotula representing Watsü Mundang also spoke on the occasion.

A special mass prayer for the victims and their families was led by Rev Vezopa Rhakho, president, Kohima Baptist Pastors Fellowship.