Around 500 students from Manipur gathered for a candlelight vigil at Bhagat Singh Park, Vijay Nagar Single Story, Delhi at around 8:00 pm yesterday. The gathering was organized in response to the recent shocking murder of two innocent students, PhijamHemjit and HijamLinthoingambi. The congregation prayed for the departed souls, lighting a candle in their names.
In a joint press release issued by Manipur Students Association Delhi (MSAD), United Kakching Students (UNIKAS) Delhi, Delhi Association Of Manipur Muslim Students (DAMMS), and Manipuri Innovative Youth Organization, Delhi (MAIYOND), it was stated, “It is our stand that the state government should take responsibility for their death and ensure justice in an expedited manner. At this time of grief, we extend our arms to the family members and friends. You are in our thoughts, and we stand in solidarity with you.”
The gathering also expressed condemnation towards the actions of the state police forces and the Central Security force, who confronted the peaceful student march in Imphal yesterday.
The press release further stated, “We are all deeply shaken to our core to see the sick and sadistic attitude of the armed forces, chasing young students around and mercilessly charging their lathis without hesitation. Unfortunately, this surprises absolutely no one; Manipur and its people, since the 1950s, have always and continue to be suppressed under a military-police regime. These facts are further reinforced by the racist and casteist remarks made by the Rapid Action Forces (RAF) while firing off their arsenal against unarmed civilians. We absolutely, without any reservations, denounce these acts against the students and civilians who were grieving for the death of their fellow students. We, in all earnest, fail to understand the horrible acts in any rational fashion. However, we wish to extend our deepest regard to Manipur’s brave students and convey that we stand in solidarity with you.”
Amidst this crisis, the government has reimposed AFSPA back to areas which were lifted earlier this year. We believe no situation will ever be solved by further propping up military might. Manipur itself is a testament to this. We appeal to the government to rescind the order and return to the status quo. It is our urgent request to the government to heed the people’s desire so as to ensure peace and justice, the press release further added.