KOHIMA — Lok Sabha MP from Outer Manipur constituency, Dr. Lorho S Pfoze on Saturday expressed dissatisfaction over some media reports giving religious colour to the ethnic violence in Manipur by projecting it in a different manner; that it as an issue between Kuki ‘Christians' and Meitei ‘Hindus’.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror from Delhi on Saturday evening, Pfoze said the tribal groups were taking out a peaceful march against the demand of the Meitei community for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status when violence escalated within no time.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]The violence led to loss of lives, arson and vandalism of properties, he said, terming it as "unfortunate".
"It started with just a small spark while the government was unable to handle it at the right time; now it has gone beyond control," he said.
The MP said that he had appealed to the Home Ministry to take stock of the situation carefully and control the prevailing situation in the state. The home minister responded positively and sent troops to contain the violence, he added.
He said that it is taking time for the situation to calm down as “it (violence) has gone beyond a point”.
While apprising that the situation was much better on Saturday, he expressed concern over report of about 10 villages in the peripheries of Imphal valley being burned down even on the day.
He said that he had made an appeal to both the Central and state governments, as well as civil societies of all communities to "maintain calm”; not become too emotional and resort to irrational activities.
He also urged the people not to in involve in violence and avoid spreading rumours which can do much damage.
"We are glad that the government has taken a stringent step to suspend the internet," he said.
Pfoze exuded hope that the security forces including Assam Rifles, CRPF, army and paramilitary personnel deployed in the state will take stock of the situation and contain violence.
"They (security forces) must not listen to the local people but must make their own independent assessment and take steps accordingly," he said, adding that things could turn uglier if they fail to do so.
"I think that is very critical; particularly those coming from outside should be very careful," he said.
Appeal to release stranded people
The MP said that many are still stranded in both the Imphal valley and the hill areas.
"We only hope that they will be released and made to go back to their homes without being harmed," he said.
Maintaining that the issues that led to the violence could be sorted out by sitting across the table, he appealed to desist from any form of violence.
On violence, proposed protest in Delhi
Pfoze informed this newspaper that they were able to restrain a proposed protest by a group of tribals at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Saturday.
"All of what they are doing will not go down well in the history and it will lead to further escalation in no time. So we have restrained them," he said while expressing hope good sense will prevail among the people.
When asked about reports that some Kuki students residing in the Delhi University North Campus area were allegedly attacked by a group of Meiteis on Thursday night, he said that he was informed about the incident but yet to verify it.
However, it was informed that security personnel intervened and put the situation under control.