John Malvino Alfonso OCD –
The Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman along with the Working Committee of the Women’s Commission of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman organised a solidarity meet at Rosary High School Hall on Saturday 5th of August at 3.30 p.m. to express solidarity with the suffering people of Manipur.
The citizens gathered for the solidarity meet were enlightened by four eminent speakers namely Mr. Mathew Almeida, who is a teacher by profession explained the historical background of the issue in Manipur. Adv. Caroline Colaco who was one of the members of the team headed by Mr Bosco George (Ret) IPS who visited Manipur under Street Providence, Goa, shared about her experiences during her recent visit to Manipur and the present ground realities.
John Shilshi, a retired IPS officer from Manipur shared real-life stories of hope from both communities. Advocate Cleofato Coutinho, a prominent lawyer from Goa, said that apart from the law, political will was absent in Manipur to resolve the present conflict. Adv. Coutinho also said that there was a lack of statesmen who can resolve such situations.
A memorandum, signed by Fr. Savio Fernandes, executive secretary, Council for Social Justice and Peace that will be sent to the Prime Minister of India, Home Minister of India and the Chief Minister of Manipur was presented by Vigilia De Sa. Over and more than 1500 citizens gathered at the meet.
The memorandum began with these sentiments: “It is with a lot of pain and grief that we the citizens of India from the State of Goa, condemn the dastardly violence and injustice meted out to the people of Manipur especially the horrific violence inflicted on our sisters in Manipur.”
The memorandum also highlighted the failure of the state administration to protect the lives and property of citizens in the state of Manipur.
Referring to the ground reports, the memorandum stated that more than 160 persons have lost their lives in this ongoing violence. Entire villages along with people’s homes and belongings have been completely burnt to ashes, rendering more than 70,000 persons Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). “These people comprising of infants, elders, pregnant women, differently abled and many suffering from various diseases are taking shelter in relief camps in the state. Many have taken shelter in neighbouring states and some have reached as far as Delhi, Hyderabad and other cities and taking shelter with relatives and friends.” described the memorandum.
CSJP also stated the pitiable situation in the relief camps and said that the relief camps in the State lack proper hygiene, water, medicine, etc. Endeavours by well-meaning citizens and civil society members to provide nutritious food is becoming a big challenge. Working people and daily wage workers have no livelihood.
“The education sector has been worse hit because despite the decision of the government to resume classes, the uncertain security atmosphere discourages parents to send their children to school/college,” stated the memorandum.
Describing the pathetic situation in Manipur, the memorandum states, “In the midst of this humanitarian crisis women who are victims of sexual violence are the worst affected. In addition to the issues stated above they are psychologically traumatised since their family members have either been killed in the violence or are separated from them without any communication due to the internet ban for the last three months. Media cannot report comprehensively due to the prevailing emergency-like situation. The state has completely failed in its duty to protect the citizens.”
The memorandum states that it was due to a viral video of two women whose dignity was violated being paraded by a huge mob of men, the country got a sneak peek of the ground reality of the sexual violence and atrocities inflicted on women in Manipur. Slowly reports of other women who faced sexual violence and were murdered came out.
“We are anguished and ashamed at the practice of men attacking, disrobing, raping and humiliating women in a conflict situation. We empathize with all the victims and share in their pain and grief,” CSJP stated further.
The memorandum also reminded the authorities of the words of Ms. Anusuiya Uikey. Governor of Manipur that speaking in an interview on a TV channel She said that Manipur is burning and that she has never seen such violence in her lifetime. She also disclosed that she has informed all higher authorities. However, nothing has changed on the ground and the violence and arson continue unabated.
In light of the above-stated realities, CSJP along with the people gathered demand:
- That law enforcing agencies of the Centre and State Governments discharge their duties in a fair and impartial manner to stop the violence forthwith and instill confidence in the mind of the people.
- That the State and Central Governments take all necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of violence, arson and sexual violence, and atrocities against women.
- That all perpetrators of crimes be dealt with the firmness of the prevalent laws.
- A conducive atmosphere be created for human rights, women rights and child rights institutions to visit the state of Manipur to assess the situation and ensure the performance of their mandated roles in alleviating the sufferings of the affected people, especially women and children.
- Restoration of internet services in the state, which is a fundamental right of expression.
- That the state ensures the supply of essential commodities to all through the removal of blockades.
- That all medical facilities be made readily available to the people, especially in relief camps.
- That rehabilitation of victims and reconstruction of their homes with adequate compensation to be taken up by the state on priority basis.
- That the State and Central Governments ensure the protection and promotion of Constitutional rights of all tribal people and the minorities.
- Lenoy Gomendes, a well-known musician from Goa presented a Konkani song that highlighted the ongoing situation in Manipur. The meeting began with a prayer led by Fr. William D’Souza—assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Navelim. Savita Mascarenhas anchored the whole meet. Marilyn Carvalho welcomed the gathering. Sr. Jessy Fernandes, FSMA, thanked all.
The meeting ended with the presentation of the memorandum to be sent to the Prime Minister of India, Home Minister of India and the Chief Minister of Manipur signed by the more than thousand five hundred people present for the meeting.
The Council for Social Justice and Peace and Conference of Religious India (Goa unit) had also organised prayer for peace in Manipur on 8th July at 3.30 p.m. at Azad Maidan, Panaji.