Sunday, December 22, 2024

Michigan-based Indians condemn Nagaland violence

The diaspora pointed out that their commitment to the principles of liberty, fraternity, and equality enshrined in the Indian Constitution compels them to raise their voice against such acts of violence and oppression

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

Michigan-based Indians in the United States have strongly condemned the ongoing violence targeting the Kuki-Zomi tribes in Manipur, as reported by indiatodayne.in on July 31. In an official statement, the Indian diaspora expressed their concern about the atrocities that have been plaguing the region for over three months, resulting in more than 60,000 people being displaced, over 6,200 houses burned, more than 320 churches destroyed, and over 170 villages reduced to ashes.

The diaspora pointed out that their commitment to the principles of liberty, fraternity, and equality enshrined in the Indian Constitution compels them to raise their voice against such acts of violence and oppression. They expressed deep distress over videos on social media showing women being subjected to heinous acts like being paraded naked, gang-raped, tortured, and executed by self-styled firing squads. The situation is further exacerbated by an internet ban in the region, leaving them worried that more horrifying videos might surface once connectivity is restored. The diaspora emphasized that allowing such genocide to continue undermines India’s claim to being a democracy.

  • In a call for international solidarity, the diaspora urged the global community and human rights organizations to closely monitor the situation in Manipur and offer support in safeguarding the rights and cultural heritage of the Kuki-Zomi tribes

  • The statement reflects their firm belief in the need for collective efforts to bring an end to the ongoing violence and ensure justice and protection for the affected communities

They stressed the significance of upholding the principles of liberty, fraternity, and equality to build a just and inclusive nation, highlighting that these foundations are currently under deliberate attack. The diaspora expressed their disappointment with the authorities at both state and central government levels for their apparent apathy in addressing the violence and ensuring the safety of the tribes.

Recognizing the historical injustices and discrimination suffered by the Kuki and Zomi tribes, similar to many indigenous communities, the diaspora stated that the tribes are now facing an existential threat with evidence of daily violence, rape, and forced displacement. They demanded that the local State and Central Indian government take immediate action to protect the lives and rights of these vulnerable tribes, insisting that justice be served, and those responsible for the crimes be held accountable.

In a call for international solidarity, the diaspora urged the global community and human rights organizations to closely monitor the situation in Manipur and offer support in safeguarding the rights and cultural heritage of the Kuki-Zomi tribes. The statement reflects their firm belief in the need for collective efforts to bring an end to the ongoing violence and ensure justice and protection for the affected communities.

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Roma Ghosh
Roma Ghosh
Roma Ghosh has recently retired as Associate Professor for Media Studies from an international university. She was with the Times of India as a correspondent for many years. Her passion is cooking and she has been doing recipes and photo shoots for Women's Era for the last 15-odd years.

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