Manipur riots: Oppn leader seeks PM’s intervention

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition leader V D Satheesan has sought urgent intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to curb the existing communal tension in Manipur.
The opposition leader also sought the PM’s intervention to ensure the safety of Malayalis who are stranded in Manipur and help them return to Kerala safely.
He said that it was unfortunate that the state government and Union government, which are legally obligated to protect fundamental rights, including the right to life and religious freedom, have become spectators.
“It is heart-breaking to see our Christian brothers and sisters being persecuted in the name of religion in Manipur. I request your urgent intervention to diffuse the existing communal tension in the state and to prevent the persecution of members of Christian community and vandalism of Christian churches in Manipur,” he said in the letter.
There is extreme communal tension and insecurity among the Christian population in the state. It has been learnt that the violence is spreading to other parts of the country and would need urgent intervention of governments concerned to curb its spread, he added.
The state, which was peacefully ruled by Congress, has now been transformed into a hotbed of intense sectarian conflict.
Many people have died and many more have fled to other states in fear of persecution. Churches have been ransacked and set ablaze in places like Checkon, New Lambulane, Sangaiprou, and Game Village, Satheesan said.
He added that Manipur has been simmering since February, when the incumbent administration initiated an eviction campaign aimed at a certain tribal minority, he said.