IMPHAL, Dec 22 (NNN): Several tribal based organisations have appealed the Film Forum Manipur (FFM) to lift the ongoing indefinite bandh in view of the Christmas.
Zeme Naga Council (ZNC), Movement for Tribal People`s Rights Manipur (MTPRM), All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU), Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF), Zeliangrong Students Union Manipur (ZSUM) and Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) have said indefinited bandh should be lifted in the interest of the Christian community in the state.
ZUF and ZNC said many tribal people who have come for Christmas shopping are now stranded in various places of Imphal with their resources exhaisted.
The ZUF terms the bandh as converting the `non-issue` into a big issue.
AMTU while condemning the December 18 incident of Chandel as brutal act. AMTU also said the incident has no place in a civilised society. However, it asks the bandh enforcers not to drag the case into an ethnic line.
Meanwhile, ZYF and ZSUM said the sudden announcement of indefinite general strike declared by Film Forum Manipur (FFM) without prior information to the general public in connection with the alleged Manipuri film actress molesting case at Chandel had greatly affected the transportation services on the inter district roads connecting hill districts. “The unexpected enforcement of indefinite general strike has caused the general public great inconveniences therefore continuing the general strike especially during this Christmas festive season will only be counter-productive as the Christmas shoppers coming from different far flung areas are compelled to cancelled their back home journey trips although exhausted their sources and now cannot go to their respective destinations and own villages due to the general strike,” ZYF and ZSUM said.
“It is pertinent to mention that in the past there were instances where girls were reportedly raped at Parbung and Lungthulien in Churachandpur district, a mother of four children was raped in Bishnupur district, four school girls were raped at Khoupum and a T.G School girl was raped in an Imphal restaurant this year including by a personality who belonged to film community recently. Every sensible and right thinking people condemned any crime perpetrated and committed against the women,” said the ZYF and ZSUM adding, ” No hue and cry was reported in those incidents.
They then appealed the Film Forum Manipur to review their decision and immediately call off their indefinite general strike in the interest of the general public.
The ZYF and ZSUM then extend warm greetings to all the peace loving people of Manipur to share the joyous moment of Christmas festive seasons imbibing the feeling of love and forgiveness and re-conciliation spirit amongst the different communities.