India Tomorrow
NEW DELHI–Vehemently condemning the ethnic violence in Manipur that has left dozens of people killed and caused displacement of thousands of others, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind(JIH) has called on the Centre to restore peace in the state with immediate effect.
In a statement to the media, the Vice-President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Prof Salim Engineer said, “Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) condemns the violence in Manipur. The North-eastern state of Manipur is divided along ethnic, religious, and geographic lines. Clashes were reported between various groups. There was a breakdown of law and order and the state government failed to control the situation.”
As the Centre has taken over the security of the state, the JIH leader asked the Government of India to make all efforts to ensure the restoration of peace and normalcy in both the Imphal Valley and hilly districts at the earliest.
It may be mentioned here that clashes have taken place between Meities, mostly Hindus living the valley, and Kuki and Naga tribes who are mostly Christians and live in hilly districts of the state. As the clashes have taken a communal colour, this has caused concern among human rights defenders and social activists.
“Jamaat feels that there has been a systematic effort in the last few years to create a climate of hate and polarisation in the country for the sake of gaining and retaining political power. This climate of hate aids in triggering violence when there is mistrust and misunderstanding between different communities,” Prof Salim pointed out.
He demanded that the State administration should apply all measures to defuse communal hatred in the state and take stern action against hate-mongers. The anti social elements involved in killing innocent people shall be dealt with iron hand. He said it was important to create a climate of communal harmony and a sense of unity among the various tribes and communities.
“Jamaat condemns the vandalization and desecration of Churches and other religious places in Manipur. Jamaat also feels that the home minister should have visited the state and the prime minister should have issued a statement on the issue,” the JIH statement said.
“We pray for peace in the region and offer our condolences to those who lost their lives in the violence. JIH appreciates those who have set up refugee camps to offer relief and rehabilitation to the victims of violence,” Prof Salim said in the statement.
