The Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Manipur, on Thursday called upon the people to commemorate May 3 with utmost reverence and respect as it marks the one-year anniversary of violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei community which erupted in 2023.
FOCS will observe the day by organising a state-level convention of ‘Ima Leipak ta Singnarakpa Numit’ at Yangoi Ningthou Community Hall in Bishnupur district to discuss strategies to address the ongoing conflict.
President of FOCS Th Manihar said, “One day convention of Ima Leipak ta Singnarakpa Numit will be convened to discuss strategies for addressing the ongoing conflict and supporting affected communities. The organisation welcomes the participation of various groups in commemorating the event, emphasising the need for collective action and solidarity.”
Speaking to the media at MWF office, Imphal, FOCS president Th Manihar stressed the importance for people to unitedly remember the tragic events which has unfolded since May 3, 2023.
He also informed that FOCS was now working in coalition with 16 CSOs in its efforts to unite the various sections of Manipur.
He further highlighted the significance of May 3, 2023, in the lives of every true Manipuri and maintained that the day marks the beginning of menacing onslaught by illegal migrants against the indigenous people.
The atrocities have left thousands without a place to call home, he added.
Furthermore, FOCS has now rejected the characterisation of May 3 as a “Black Day”, emphasizing that the conflict persists and demands ongoing attention and action. FOCS further appealed to the people of the state to offer ‘Meira’ (torch) at the gate in the evening.
