Report of Mazdoor Ekta Committee’s correspondent
A dharna was organized in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on 25th July 2023 in support of the Manipuri people who are victims of gross violence today, and to raise the demand for peace in Manipur. It was an initiative of the Joint platform of Delhi’s Trade Unions. Kisans from the All-India Kisan Sangathan (AIKS), All-India Agricultural Workers’ Union (AIAWU) and women activists from Purogami Mahila Sangathan also participated in the demonstration.
Participants in the dharna carried placards and banners, with the slogans: “Remove AFSPA from Manipur and all north-eastern states”, “Down with state terrorism and violence in Manipur”, “Down with the capitalist ruling class’s divide and rule policy”, “Punish the perpetrators of violence against women”, etc. They raised militant slogans against the central government, state government and agencies of the state who are responsible for the violence in Manipur.
Representatives of AITUC, CITU, Mazdoor Ekta Committee, HMS, AIUTUC, SEWA, LPF, UTUC, ICTU, Purogami Mahila Sangathan, AIAWU addressed the meeting.
Speakers severely condemned the central government and Manipur state government for the horrifying situation in Manipur, holding them squarely responsible for it. They condemned the government to suppressing the voices of various political activists who are raising questions about the role of Centre and of the state government in the present situation in Manipur.
Describing the terrible state of the people of Manipur, speakers pointed out that anarchy and violence have been rampant in the state since 3rd May 2023. More than 150 people have died from this violence; people’s means of livelihood and homes have been destroyed; armed mobs have been targeting people, their homes and property in Manipur’s capital city of Imphal, in various other cities and in the countryside. These mobs have been allowed to unleash brutal crimes against women. Criminals have been allowed to commit these crimes under the watch of army rule. Thousands of people have had to flee their homes. As a result, over a lakh people are being forced to live in inhuman conditions in neighbouring states and in refugee camps in Myanmar.
Speakers pointed out that one can clearly see the hands of the state and its agencies in committing the most heinous crime of creating divisions among the people and organizing genocide.
The meeting demanded that the centre and state take immediate steps to stop the violence and establish peace in Manipur, provide relief to the victims of the violence and organize for their rehabilitation. It also demanded the re-opening of schools and resumption of internet services.
In conclusion, a petition containing these demands were submitted to the Home Minister.