Yoga enthusiasts in Manipur to mourn for victims of ethnic clashes on June 21

GUWAHATI: Yoga enthusiasts in Manipur have decided to boycott the International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21 and instead mourn for the victims of the ethnic clashes on the day.
Gathered under the aegis of 'All Manipur Yoga Fraternity Union (AMYFU), Imphal' the yoga enthusiasts on Sunday organised a silent sit-in protest in Imphal, demanding the restoration of peace in the state.
Yoga enthusiasts from various organisations joined the sit-in and announced that they will mourn the death of the victims of violence "from both sides", instead of celebrating the day, vice-president of Bharat Swabhiman Trust, Th Rajen, told mediapersons.
"The world will celebrate the International Day of Yoga, but we will observe 'shok' in Manipur for those victims from both sides who have died, been injured or are undergoing treatment. We, the yoga practitioners and also those who love yoga, will gather at one place to observe 'shok' on that day," he added.
The protesters were holding placards that said 'Yoga means to unite not to divide', 'Bring back peace & harmony in Manipur' and 'Stop narco-terrorism'.
Over 50,000 people displaced by the ethnic violence are camping in 349 relief camps in the state.