IMPHAL, MAY 29 (NNN): The Makhan Village Authority has strongly condemned the firing incident that occurred in the intervening night of May 27 and 28 in Lower Makhan (Kanglatongbi area).
“In the intervening night of May 27 and 28, heavy and prolonged gunfight took place in Lower Makhan, endangering lives and safety of the innocent civilian population residing in it,” said the village authority. Makhan Village Authority then said it “vehemently condemns such a reckless shoot-out in and around a densely populated Lower Makhan and its vicinity, which is predominantly inhabited by the Liangmai community”.
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The village authority then said it is the need of the hour for Makhan Village, Kangpokpi district, to proclaim that the village has zero and null allegiance to either side of groups or parties involved in the unrest.
It then said that Makhan Village gives free passage-way to every community, with numerous motorists and pedestrians plying and going to and fro. The village is a peaceful zone and remains neutral.
The village authority also said that irrespective of any individual or group of any community, the village is monitoring anyone passing through the village, believing everyone will look forward to restoring peace and harmony.
The village authority then said Makhan Village gives passage-way from 6 am to 6 pm. Entry after 6 pm is restricted. The village will strive to promote peaceful co-existence and does not side with any of the conflicting parties, it also said. Any consequence or event arising out of availing the village road, adjoining areas and the open fields and farmlands of the village shall be held responsible by the trespassing individuals or groups themselves. The village adopts the each-person-at-his-or-her-own-risk rule, it added.
The village authority also said it will bear no accountability at all cost if any untoward incident happens. The passage-way is given to all purely on humanitarian grounds, it further added.
Various communities living in and around Kanglatongbi have condemned the firing incident that had occurred late on May 27 and other forms of violence.
“Following frequent occurrence of violence and firing incident that took place in an around Kanglatongbi area, we the Liangmais, the Tangkhuls, the Rongmeis, the Zemes, the Gorkhalis, and the Hindustan Samaj living in the village are compelled to raise our own concern against the deliberate gross violation of peace and tranquility in the village,” said a joint statement of “Liangmai Community Kanglatongbi “, ”Tangkhul Community Kanglatongbi”, “Rongmei Community
Kanglatongbi”, “Zeme Community Kanglatongbi,” ”Gorkhali Community Kanglatongbi” and “Hindustan Samaj Community Kanglatongbi”.
The joint statement of these groups said that the village is inhabited by various communities who have no concern to violence and mob justice. “However, at the outset, it is with most unjust that villagers have been witnessing frequent firing incidents including with automatic sophisticated weapons whereby children, women, old aged and sick people have been traumatised by fear and threat of danger by such incidents”, they added.
The joint statement also said that it is uncalled for and unfortunate that the village has been attempted to be used as a battleground for violence between the conflicting groups. “The undersigned communities would like to convey a strong message to all communities that no lawless or violence act will be allowed or tolerated in and around the village,” the joint statement asserted, while adding, “Any unfortunate and untoward act if arises will be dealt severely without any further excuses giving due regards to the law of the land”.
Meanwhile, the joint statement condemned the RAF and state forces who are deployed at Kanglatongbi for their “unprofessional behavior” of not executing their duty and responsibility sincerely. “We urge them to effectively and responsibly perform their duties,” the statement also said.
These groups then condemned violence in the strongest term and “therefore call for immediate attention of the state and the central government to bring back peace and harmony in the state.
