In what could be called a strict lawful overview on public meetings, state forces on Wednesday stopped Youth of Manipur (YOM) from convening a press meet and group meeting at an undisclosed location in Singjamei.
However, YOM volunteers cooperated with the said mandate and hence, there were no reports of untoward incidents nor verbal spat during the entirety of the whole encounter.
Speaking to the media at another location, a YOM volunteer stated that the whole debacle was unfortunate and a clear sign that the system was trying to muffle critical public opinion on state issues.
“YOM will cooperate with lawful mandates and is ready to face any repercussions which result from any violation of such,” she said.
She highlighted that the press event was called to shed light on the heinous nature of ‘mob culture’ and condemned the brutal mob lynching and murder of one Sahir alias Sana at Takhel on October 19.
“Mob justice is not an acceptable act and everyone should condemn such evil culture. It can deteriorate the social morality and principles of all communities in Manipur,” she said.
She stated that dialogue is the ultimate measure in such tense situations to ascertain and clear out all confusion. Such mindless acts can trigger vested people to pit communities against one another, she added.
She asked if authorities were waiting for protests and agitations before they took any lawful measures regarding the case.
“The authorities should be on their toes in hunting down the culprits and punishing them but unfortunately, that is not the case,” she said.
She also appealed to people not to drag the incident out of proportion and colour it in a communal tone.
This is the act of a few mindless people and not an intentional communal attack, she added.
