IMPHAL, December 30: A “Convention for Peace” was organized today at Tarung Community Hall, Thangmeiband organized by the Thangmeiband Block Congress Committee and Langol Tarung Youth Club.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Minister PHED and Labour I Hemochandra Singh, Minister Works and Transport Dr Kh Ratan Kumar Singh, Parliamentary Secretary YAS and Tourism M Prithivraj Singh, MLA Tamei A/C Z Kikonbou, and Secretary MPCC Jyotin Waikhom attended the function as chief guest, guests of honour and president respectively.
Speaking at the convention, RK Lokendrajit, Advisor Thangmeiband Block Congress Committee said the convention was being organized to bring peace and harmony in the state, keeping in view the December 18 Chandel incident and its resulting affect of bandhs from December 22 and also to bring back peace and harmony in the state.
Appreciating Jyotin Waikhom, Secretary MPCC for conceiving the idea of the peace convention, Prof Gangmumei Kamei said that the hill and valley people have been coexisting with love and peace for more than 2000 years.
AMWJU President, A Mobi speaking at the convention said the Chandel incident has ended up triggering anger following a series of misdeeds committed by NSCN (IM) and that there is no hatred between communities residing in Manipur. He further said that, many blame came for the media for not publishing their views on the Chandel incident “but considering the seriousness of the issue we avoided those views which will harm public interest.”
Speaking at the function, Khiadem Mani Secretary of Manipur Senior Citizens said, the issue which has come up following the Chandel incident do not belong to any particular community. “It is about the issue which is against humanity. The general strikes which were held a few days back is a culmination of anger following the killing of Dr Kishan, Token, Rajen who were killed by the NSCN (IM) etc and negligence by the Government towards the public. He further said that there is a need to deliver a political dialogue whenever conflict occurs.
Speaking to the Media, Minister Works & Transport, Manipur, Kh Ratan Kumar Singh said the peace convention is a unique way to bring all the communities together.
Deputy Chief Minister, Giakhangam who spoke on the occasion said that he condemned the incident of Chandel and Napetpali. He further said that those who are against the law or against humanity will be punished.
He added, “We must learn how to reconcile among ourselves. The valley people should have their concerns for the hill people and vice versa,” and made a point that criminals should be treated as criminals and should not be attached with one`s community.
A resolution was also made during the function not to break the brotherhood which have been in place bound for more than 2000 years. the gathering further expressed its condemnation over the incident of Chandel and Napatpali.