Dimapur, May 4 (MExN): The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) today called for ‘immediate cessation of violence’ by appealing ‘to the better nature, good sense and enlightened self-interest of the people.’
“Manipur is witnessing another iteration of a seemingly endless cycle of violence. We mourn the loss of lives and communal fraternity in a region that has been long vitiated by wanton injustice and use of force,” the NPMHR noted in a statement received here.
“In light of the tragic events unfolding currently, we appeal to the better nature, good sense and enlightened self-interest of the people to bring an immediate end to the acts of killing and vandalism,” it added.
The NPMHR also called upon community leaders and the elected legislators to immediately take action to de-escalate the volatile situation and resume dialogue and negotiations with the stakeholders.
Meanwhile, it expressed concern over the issuance of ‘shoot-at-sight’ in extreme cases issued by the Manipur Government on May 4 and said that it “smacks of the familiar and dangerous high-handedness of a State that has historically proven to be insensitive to the needs and demands of its own citizens.”
“This unwillingness to listen and negotiate has birthed the very instability and societal fragility that the State is now trying to deal with in ‘fire-fighting’ mode,” the NPMHR added.
