George Abraham, IOCUSA Vice-Chair, urgently deplores the renewed violence in Manipur

‘We strongly deplore the dastardly acts of the Arambai Tenggol and Meitei extremists who are once again engaging in killings and burning down houses of worship and vandalizing and destroying houses and properties belonging to the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar indigenous tribes in the Jiribam town, Manipur. We equally condemn the killing of six Meitei women and children by the armed thugs who have precipitated the current flare-up. It once more illustrates the abject failure of the Modi-Shah government in restoring peace in Manipur and rehabilitating the displaced,’ said George Abraham, Vice-Chair of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA.
Some would argue that these issues have been complex and based on historical grievances between various tribes. However, to any independent observer, Arambai Tenggol groups encouraged by radical Hindutva elements have not only targeted Christian Churches and Institutions belonging to Kuki-Zo but also the Meitei tribe in the last several months. It appears to be a calculated and orchestrated attempt targeting primarily the Christian minority in the state regardless of their tribal origins.
It is mind-boggling to see Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar expressing concerns about the safety and religious freedom of Overseas Indians who live in Western democracies where their civil rights are better protected while doing nothing to protect their citizens in a state ruled by a BJP government. Isn’t it also ironic to see our leaders trying to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia while standing idle and looking helpless to settle the disputes and end violence mostly between Hindu and Christian tribes? We urge the Central Government to prioritize the safety of its citizens in Manipur, showing the same level of zeal they exhibit towards foreign governments.
The BJP government under Biren Singh has totally failed in protecting the life and properties of all its citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations, and the people have lost confidence in his capacity or willingness to arrest the ongoing violence and killings. Therefore, we urge the Mod government to intervene quickly and take steps to bring about long-lasting peace and rehabilitation of thousands of Kuki-Zo people who are still living in the refugee camps.