By Jose Kavi
New Delhi, May 4, 2023:A forum representing Christians of all denominations in northeastern India on May 4 expressed anguish over the ongoing unrest in Manipur where the government has issued “shoot-at-sight orders in extreme cases.”
The Manipur government imposed the curfew as communal clashes continued on the second day in the northeastern Indian state.
The order was issued by T Ranjit Singh, the state’s Commissioner of Home, in the name of the governor of Manipur.
The notification says the governor wants to maintain public order and tranquility in the state and tackle the prevailing law and order situation following “the unwarranted incidents occurred during the May 3 Tribal Solidarity March.
The order says the shoot-at-sight should be resorted to only after exhausting all other means such as persuasion, warning and reasonable force, the order says.
The government has also set up a helpline center to provide assistance to persons affected by the curfew and law and order situation in Manipur.
At the same time, Army and paramilitary Assam Rifles forces were deployed in violence-hit districts and more than 7,500 affected people were evacuated to safer places, officials said.
The administration has suspended internet for five days to prevent rumors from spreading. But it has also severely affected dissemination of news from the troubled areas.
Meanwhile, the United Christian Forum of North East India noted large-scale violence, arson, demolition of property, and loss of life including desecration of religious places in Manipur.
The ecumenical forum has expressed its deep pain and concern over the unrest. “We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution to the situation,” appealed the forum’s appeal issued by its spokesperson Allen Brooks.
The appeal explains that as Christians the forum believes in the value of human life and the importance of respecting the dignity of every individual. “We call on all members of society to refrain from engaging in violent acts and to instead engage in peaceful dialogue to address their concerns.”
The forum extended its condolences to the families of those who died in the unrest and called on the authorities to take appropriate steps to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We also call on the government to take steps to address the underlying issues that have contributed to this situation and to work towards a lasting solution.
As, we stand in solidarity with all those affected by this unrest and pray for peace and reconciliation in the region.