IMPHAL, December 22:The Naga Women’s Union, Manipur (NWUM) has strongly condemned the assault of Manipuri digital film actress Kh. Momoco by RV. Livingstone of NSCN (IM) in a press statement. Expressing heartfelt unhappiness for the unfortunate incident that led to physical harm, public humiliation and mental trauma that Momoko went through, NWUM said that the incident should be dealt with according to the law of the land and that it should not be politicized or communalized. Maintaining that the whole community should not be taken to ransom following a rash individual act. The statement further said that while condemning the incident, the culture of public bandhs and blockades is something that cannot be encouraged, and more so during the festive season. NWUM further appealed to the Film Forum Manipur (FFM) and the organizations leading the protests to lift the bandh in the interest of the public. Meantime, the Naga Women Community has also denounced the indiscriminate killing of Mr.Boudiyang Panmei by an armed gunman.
Meanwhile, a statement from The All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO), the apex body representing all the Christians of the State strongly condemned the unfortunate and untoward incident at Chandel. The statement signed by Rev. L. Simon Raomai Publicity and Information Secretary, AMCO said, “While we are awaiting the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Love, Hope, and Peace, it is beyond our imagination that such a disgraceful and barbaric incident can happen in our land. This evil act committed by one Livingstone upon a young girl who is our sister/daughter of our own family hurts the sentiments of the people of our region and beyond.” AMCO further appealed to the accused to apologize to the offended party in order to bring normalcy in the State.
The AMCO also appealed to Film Forum Manipur (FFM) and other Civil Organisations and peace loving citizens of Manipur urging them to call off the indefinite bandh in the interest of the people of this State who are undergoing untold miseries and for the sake of the Christmas Celebrations, which is the biggest festival of Christians in the state.