Hundreds from the artistes community of Manipur comprising writers, musicians, directors, painters, actors among others demonstrated a peaceful protest today, demanding solution to the ongoing Manipur unrest and restoration of peace in the state.
The artistes under the aegis of the Coordinating Committee on Cultural Fraternity gathered at the Iboyaima Shanglen at Palace Compound in Imphal East and registered their protest against the ongoing unrest in Manipur.
Speaking to media persons on the sideline of the protest, eminent theatre personality Ratan Thiyam lamented that the state continues to be in turmoil and the government of India has remained indifferent as ever.
“We don’t need food package, we need peace package,” Ratan Thiyam said.
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He further said that people sometimes feel whether India is treating Manipuris as “third class citizens”, which it only remembers them during elections. Even the Prime Minister is not uttering a word despite the people suffering because of the violence, he said.
The artistes community also decided to visit the national capital New Delhi and meet the President of India and other central leaders and subsequently, submit a memorandum seeking solution to the crisis and to demand restoration of peace.
During the protest also chanted slogans such as “No to Separate Administration”, “Abrogate SoO”, “Long Live Manipur” among others.
Read more: Centre constitutes committee to facilitate peace among various ethnic groups in Manipur
